A 53-year-old man was on trial in Nantes (Loire-Atlantique) this Wednesday, November 6, 2024 for having intentionally caused around ten fires near the social residence where he lives. Vehicle, sofa or even trash room fires occurred between 2022 and October 2024 and for which he contacted the firefighters each time, reports Ocean Press.
Living in the RSA and plagued by significant alcohol problems since he came of age, the fifty-year-old is himself a former volunteer firefighter. He dreamed of becoming a professional one day, but his experience as a firefighter ended after six months due to illness, says the local newspaper. When questioned about what prompted him to start the fires, the defendant replied that he himself did not know. “Isolation, perhaps…”he declared.
Six months in prison
The man, however, apologized, while recognizing that his actions could have endangered the 200 people in his residence. “I regret”he repeated several times. He also cited his difficult past, including claims of being raped and beaten as a child. “What I want is to be properly cared for because I need it”added the accused, cited by our colleagues.
The fifty-year-old was finally sentenced to a year and a half in prison, including six months with a committal warrant. He is now prohibited from returning to his home and will have to seek treatment, specifies Ocean Press.
Belgium
