The maximum sentence for the offence of attempted arson is three years. That may be a relatively low maximum, considering the danger the offence poses, Mr. Justice Alex Henderson said last week.
He made the comment when he sentenced Osbourne Douglas, who was found to have set a mattress on fire at the Central Police Station lock-up.
‘The act which he committed may have been born of frustration, but it was a dangerous act which had the potential to suffocate one or more prisoners who were locked in their cells at the time,’ the judge pointed out.
Douglas had not shown any true remorse. In fact, he had tried to blame a juvenile inmate, who was found not guilty (Caymanian Compass, 22 March).
The only mitigating factor was Douglas’ young age – 18.
The judge considered that the appropriate sentence was one-half of the maximum and imposed a term of 18 months.
The incident occurred in April 2004. Defence Attorney Steve McField, who represented the juvenile in Summary Court and Grand Court, had questioned why a boy of 15 was being held at CPS.
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