Man jailed for 'retribution' arson

A Whangarei man who torched his former partner's garage after their relationship ended has been jailed for four years.

Craig Kirby, 25, was found guilty by a jury in the Whangarei District Court in July on charges of burglary, arson and attempting to pervert the course of justice.

He appeared for sentencing before Judge Keith de Ridder this week.

The Kohe St garage was gutted and the woman's car and her new partner's motorcycle damaged.

Judge de Ridder said the relationship between Kirby and Ashley Johnson ended four months before December 18, 2009, after which her new boyfriend moved in.

On December 18, Kirby accepted a lift home from a sober driver while drinking at a work function. On the way, he became agitated and asked the driver to drop him off where Ms Johnson lived.

Kirby then broke into a garage and lit a fire with a lighter he had bought from BP on Riverside Dr.

Judge de Ridder said Kirby later texted a friend and asked him to provide an alibi by telling him to lie about his crimes.

The judge said Kirby's actions were quite deliberate and pointed to some sense of retribution. The fire could have endangered neighbouring properties but, fortunately, a barking dog alerted neighbours.

Crown prosecutor David Stevens said harassment and threats to Ms Johnson preceded the arson attack. Kirby continued to deny his involvement and showed no remorse, Mr Stevens submitted.

Defence lawyer Arthur Fairley said Kirby's mother was in court and was willing to provide a home-detention address. The fact he asserted his innocence, as was his right, did not mean the risk of re-offending was high, as alluded to in the pre-sentence report, he said.

If Kirby was jailed, he would not be able to pay reparation, Mr Fairley said.

Judge de Ridder did not order reparation and sentenced Kirby to four years' jail.