Arsonist shouted ‘burn in hell’

A MAN splashed flammable liquid outside a family’s home and shouted “burn in hell”.

Jamie Murrin, 34, marched to the property with a cannister containing a combustible varnish and splashed it around when the homeowner opened the door.

He lit the liquid, which immediately ignited with a ‘whoosh’, Taunton Crown Court was told. The homeowner was left frightened by Murrin’s actions and feared he may be set alight and his family harmed.

Murrin, who was unhappy about money owed to his mother, left after making threats. Nobody was hurt in the incident and damage to the property was minimal.

Murrin, of Mitre Court, Taunton, admitted arson and possession of knuckledusters. He was spared jail after the court was told the offence was out of character and he was sorry.

Prosecutor William Hunter said the victim had borrowed £50 from the defendant’s mother. Two days before the date he was due to pay it back, Murrin knocked on his door and started shouting that he pay it back immediately.

When the homeowner said he did not have it, Murrin ranted that he would ‘pay for it now’ and unscrewed the top of a cannister he was carrying and threw the contents in the direction of the house. Some of the liquid went on the victim, most went towards the wall.

Murrin ignited it with a lighter, causing it to flash briefly, and said: “Burn in hell and your family.” He then walked away and was arrested later that evening.

The victim said he was worried about his family, who were in the house at the time and could not make any sense of why the incident happened.

Murrin has previous convictions but nothing similar on his record. The prosecution said his actions showed some planning.

Harry Ahuja said Murrin regretted his impulsive and “spur of the moment” act. Very little of the decorating varnish he splashed landed on the victim and he was very sorry.

Recorder Malcolm Gibney said Murrin had threatened to burn the place down and anybody in it. But he had read good references and the defendant had mental health issues that needed addressing.

Murrin received an 18-month jail sentence, suspended for two years. He must do 30 rehabilitation days and was made subject to a mental health requirement.

Murrin was also given an evening curfew for 12 weeks and a restraining order not to contact the victim.