Man sets fire to mental health unit with pizza box and duvet
MAN STARTED BLAZE IN ROOM AFTER OBJECTING TO A SEARCH MADE BY STAFF
A MAN set fire to his room in a mental health unit after he objected to being searched by staff.
Thomas Bell had been an inpatient at New Bridges Mental Health Unit in east Hull for around two weeks when he used paper towels, a pizza box and his duvet to start the fire.
Hull Crown Court heard how Bell, 36, had suffered mental health issues for some time, but had never been in trouble with the law.
Neil Coxon, prosecuting, told the court about the events that led to the arson attack on March 29 last year. He said: “Bell was a voluntary inpatient at New Bridges, but had been receiving assistance for some time.
“Staff described him as polite and well-mannered. He was easy to manage and had never been a problem.”
However, on March 29, his behaviour suddenly changed after staff had to search residents.
Mr Coxon said: “At 5pm that day, staff noticed a blue package had been passed round residents. They decided to search everyone, including the defendant, and found it was a pouch of tobacco.
“The defendant got annoyed and aggressive during the search. Later that evening a health worker heard the fire alarm go off.
“He noticed black smoke coming from the defendant’s room and got a fire extinguisher to try and put it out. When that ran out he went to get another and when he returned fire crews were in attendance.
“The defendant was seen running through the foyer looking panicked. Staff pursued him and he was detained after a real struggle.
“He told staff he was hearing voices that commanded him to do it.”
Bell was charged with arson being reckless as to whether it would destroy property or endanger life.
Judge Mark Bury accepted Bell was not in the right frame of mind when he committed the offence and decided he should not be jailed immediately.
He told Bell: “What you did was extraordinarily dangerous and you could have killed a number of people who were totally innocent.
“However, you were suffering mental health issues at the time and the responsibility for your offending was significantly diminished.
“The offence you committed was very serious and, if you were mentally well, you would have served a long sentence in custody.
“I understand you are still suffering from the condition, but that you have made remarkable progress.”
Bell was handed a 12-month prison sentence, suspended for two years, and will need to carry out a six-month mental health assessment and a rehabilitation order.
Bell is currently receiving treatment at a mental health unit at Castle Hill Hospital.