Parole release for hotel arsonist
A CAIRNS woman lit a fire at a Cairns hotel, putting a family with small children at risk and causing $60,000 in damage, a court has heard.
Toni Margaret Lana Sivyer, 44, pleaded guilty to one count of endangering property by fire in Cairns District Court.
Crown prosecutor Tania Richardson said the defendant was captured on CCTV footage walking towards the room at the Queens Court Hotel on Sheridan Street where the fire was lit, before returning to the hotel pool at 5.08am on Saturday, August 27.
“The fire comprised a wicker chair which had toilet paper, plastic and other debris underneath it,” she said.
Ms Richardson said damages were estimated to be $60,000 and the business was out of service for a week. “The fire caused smoke damage to the corridor outside the room, and melted lighting fixtures and the alarm,” she said.
“Costs of the business included providing meals to guests, moving them to another building and cleaning.”
Defence barrister Rachelle Logan said Sivyer had experienced abuse in her early years and suffered from bipolar disorder.
“She’s had a long history of homelessness where she doesn’t really think and flicks her cigarette butts,” she said.
Sivyer apologised to Judge Ian Dearden for the events.
“I’m sorry that it happened, I am more aware of my surroundings,” she said.
Judge Dearden sentenced Sivyer to 15 months’ imprisonment with parole release immediately.
“Get on with your life, make sure you are compliant with your medication, make it your goal never to make it back to this court,” he said.