The landlord\u2019s home had been covered by insurance, but the judge pointed out that insurance isn\u2019t a \u201cfree ride\u201d because payouts like that cause premiums to go up for everyone. <\/p>\n
Parihaka O\u2019Connor pleaded guilty to burning down the rental home he was living in, as well as the arson of a vehicle.<\/p>\n
The next arson occurred four months later, while O\u2019Connor was living out of his father\u2019s Toyota Hilux. He drove the vehicle to Swanson Reserve around 7am, smashed a window, then set it on fire and left the scene. <\/p>\n
O\u2019Connor later apologised to his parents during a restorative justice conference after he pleaded guilty to the charges. <\/p>\n
\u201cThey affirmed the fact they care about you deeply, but when you\u2019re under the influence of drugs you\u2019re not yourself,\u201d the judge noted. <\/p>\n
O\u2019Connor also pleaded guilty to barging into his parents\u2019 home after he\u2019d been trespassed and causing extensive damage to their gate when he drove through it. <\/p>\n
But he had no prior convictions before the recent spree and has been deemed a low risk of reoffending if he keeps up with his drug rehab efforts, the judge noted.<\/p>\n
The defendant changed his pleas to guilty earlier this year, following a psychological report suggesting he was fit to stand trial. Arson endangering life is punishable by up to 14 years\u2019 imprisonment.<\/p>\n
Prosecutor Conrad Purdon characterised the offending as a premeditated and spiteful response to O\u2019Connor\u2019s landlord trying to evict him. But the defence argued that couldn\u2019t be the case because O\u2019Connor wouldn\u2019t yet have been aware he was going to be forced out. <\/p>\n
\u201cWhat he said was he was trying to rid the property of demons,\u201d the judge noted. \u201cI really struggle to see that as a malicious form of arson.\u201d<\/p>\n
It doesn\u2019t make sense, the judge said, that someone would take revenge on a landlord by burning down their own home. The prosecutor disagreed, suggesting that such scenarios are not uncommon. He argued the offending was too serious for a sentence of under two years \u2013 the point at which a judge can consider a non-custodial alternative.<\/p>\n
The judge ordered a four-year starting point, two years below what the Crown sought but four months above the defence\u2019s suggestion. He then allowed 50% in reductions for his guilty pleas and for matters related to his drug addiction. <\/p>\n
O\u2019Connor reported having been out of work and addicted to methamphetamine for a decade. At his lowest point, it was reported, he was smoking up to 2g per day \u2013 an amount likely to cost over $500. He would use for up to a week without sleep, he told authorities.<\/p>\n
He hadn\u2019t slept in over 24 hours during the house arson.<\/p>\n
Judge David Sharp. Photo \/ Jason Dorday<\/p>\n
\u201cYou said you were not in your right mind and you are regretful,\u201d the judge noted.<\/p>\n
\u201cYou say your judgment was impaired by drug use… People need to know you can\u2019t be taking this drug \u2013 this is exactly what happens.\u201d<\/p>\n
But since then, O\u2019Connor has committed to staying away from meth, the judge said. The Grace Foundation submitted a letter reporting that he had made \u201csignificant\u201d progress, and random drug tests have all been negative. <\/p>\n
And he no longer shows symptoms of psychosis. <\/p>\n
While deterrence and denunciation are important considerations, O\u2019Connor\u2019s commitment to rehabilitation is what has kept him out of prison, the judge concluded. <\/p>\n