Man who carried our arson attack on father’s property sentenced

The 23-year-old also admitted charges of arson and possessing Pregabalin

A man who damaged a door in an arson attack at his father’s property has been made the subject of a two-year Probation Order.

Ross Mark Thomas Lavery appeared at Belfast Crown Court and was sentenced by Judge Gordon Kerr KC. With an address as HMP Maghaberry, the 23-year-old admitted charges of arson and possessing Pregabalin on June 26 last year.

Defence barrister Luke Curran told Judge Gordon Kerr on Wednesday September 3 that the damage amounted to “scorch damage” to a door belonging to Lavery’s father and his father’s partner.

Mr Curran also told the Judge that his client has spend “over a year” in custody. Judge Kerr imposed the Probation Order which amounts to Lavery being released from custody.

He told Lavery: “If there is any continuing ill will with you and any family members, I strongly caution you not to get in touch with them, not to spend time or go and end up arguing with them – because if you do you will be brought back and you simply will not get another chance.”

Urging Lavery to contact Probation as soon as he is released, Judge Kerr also told him that over the next two years he must accept directions given and attend programmes or training that is recommended.

Failure to engage with Probation or not stay out of trouble, Lavery was warned, would result in him being re-sentencing. When asked if he understood this, Lavery replied “I understand. Thank you.”

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