Arson after marriage split

Unhappy his marriage was ending, a Dunedin electrician set fire to the family home.

Craig Scoullar, 56, appeared before Judge Kevin Phillips in the Dunedin District Court yesterday.

He pleaded guilty to two charges: intentionally damage by fire and drink driving.

The charges came from an October 8 incident, several days after Scoullar and his partner of 20 years separated.

The court heard he filled a container with petrol at a service station, and then bought matches from another store.

Scoullar drank 18 bottles of beer before setting fire to the family home. He was convicted and remanded in custody for sentencing on January 18.