Man admits setting fire to wheelie bin close to vulnerable neighbour in Hartlepool street

David Archibald, 38, of Dent Street, Hartlepool, admitted setting fire to the bin near to the victim’s home in the same street on August 21 last year.

Chris Baker, prosecuting at Teesside Crown Court, said the victim, who has learning difficulties and other conditions, went to the police station at 10.30pm on that day.

"He was distressed and told police he had been threatened by two men living at [a house in] Dent Street.

"He said one of the men was in possession of a baseball bat. He said they were threatening to smash his windows and threatening to set fire to the house.”

The victim said he did not see who made the threats as he did not open his door.

When police attended his home they were met by a strong smell of smoke. A wheelie bin was on fire near the back of the house.

Archibald pleaded guilty to arson.

The prosecution offered no evidence on charges of possessing a baseball bat and threatening to damage property.

Archibald was sentenced to a community order for 12 months with 10 Rehabilitation Activity Requirement days.

He was also ordered to pay a £90 victim surcharge.

Earlier this year, the Mail reported how deliberate fires are costing cost Hartlepool £2.9million a year.

They accounted for 85% of the 4,302 fires Cleveland Fire Brigade attended in 2018/19, with refuse and grass fires the most common kinds.

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