A LEETON man who set fire to a neighbour's lawn, endangering the people inside, was told in court this week he was lucky to avoid a prison sentence.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Nathan James Watson, of Pendula Street Leeton, was sentenced on Tuesday after pleading guilty to lighting the fire at his neighbour's property while the victim and his teenage sons were inside around 1.50am on December 10.
His solicitor William Glowrey told the court there was a rocky history between Watson and his victim, but that he was well aware his actions could have ended in tragedy.
I don't know what you were thinking that day.
- Magistrate Joy Boulos
Fire and Rescue were called to extinguish the fire, which burned the front lawn but didn't reach the house.
"(Watson) has engaged in what can be explained as 'vigilante justice' ... he is extremely remorseful about his actions," Mr Glowrey said.
"He has strong prospects for rehabilitation."
In her sentencing remarks, magistrate Joy Boulos said Watson's actions could have ended in tragedy.
"You know you are in a lot of trouble, don't you?" she said.
"I don't know what you were thinking that day.
MORE NEWS
"This (the fire) could have gotten out of control.
"You have shown insight into your actions ... you do have excellent prospects for rehabilitation."
With that in mind, Watson was sentenced to an 18-month intensive corrections order and will need to complete 500 hours of community service.
