Axe-wielding man built fire in middle of street

A MAN built a fire in the road then produced an axe when firefighters turned up to tackle it and warned them off, a court has heard.

Mark Cutforth said he started the fire as a “cry for help” after a person in his head told him to do it.

A judge at Swansea Crown Court said he hoped in the cold light of day the 55-year-old defendant realised how stupid his actions had been.

The judge said there was “something of a sadness” about the case and said he was going to pass a sentence which allowed Cutforth to get the help he needed.

Brian Simpson, prosecuting, said in the early hours of March 15 this year the fire service received reports of a fire in the street on Heol Maes y Cerrig in Loughor.

When firefighters arrived on the scene they found a blazing pile of rubbish and a male – later identified as Cutforth – wearing dark clothing and a face covering, who was adding items to the fire.

The officers set about tackling the fire but the defendant produced an axe from under his clothing and, holding the weapon “in a threatening manner”, told them not to touch it.

The court heard the firefighters returned to their vehicle and contacted the police.

Armed police were sent to the scene and Cutforth was arrested at home.

In his subsequent police interview the defendant admitted setting the fire as a “cry for help” saying “a person in his head” had told him to do it.

He also admitted he had an axe but said he didn’t threaten anyone with it.

Mark Anthony Cutforth, of Heol Maes y Cerrig, Loughor, Swansea, pleaded guilty to possession of an offensive weapon when he appeared in the dock for sentencing.

He has five previous convictions for six offences including being drunk and disorderly and possession of an offensive weapon.

The weapon conviction, from 2021, involved the defendant being found with a telescopic baton when searched by British Transport Police officers.

Judge Huw Rees said he hoped that, in the cold light of day, the defendant realised how stupid his actions had been. He said the defendant had stable accommodation and a “beloved dog” as well as a support worker and a psychiatrist who wants to carry on working with him.

The judge said “there is something of a sadness” about the case and said he was going to suspend the prison sentence that was due in order that Cutforth could get the assistance he needed.

With a one-third discount for his guilty plea Cutforth was sentenced to eight months in prison suspended for 18 months, and was ordered to complete a rehabilitation course and mental health treatment requirement.

After the sentence was passed the defendant thanked the judge, saying “I really appreciate it”.