2 weeks Ago
A SON doused himself in petrol and threatened to burn down his mum’s house with her inside. Stephen Gibson’s mum and a friend went out in Cross Hands with their sons on August 17, prosecutor Dean Pulling said. The two women left, but went back after multiple calls from the defendant.
Mr Pulling said that Gibson’s mannerisms led his mum to believe he had taken drugs. The group spent the evening in another club, with the sons leaving at around 11pm and the women leaving shortly afterwards. Gibson arrived at his mum’s house after her and “appeared to be in a bad mood”.
He said he was going out to walk the dog, but then was heard shouting ‘I’m going to burn the house down with you in it’. The defendant’s mum phoned her friend and asked her to call the police for her. Gibson entered the house, and told his mum: ‘I’m going to burn your house down and I’m going to punch you in the face’.
His mum noticed a strong smell of petrol, and called her friend again to tell her. At 12.16am, the police received a call from the defendant himself, who – in the course of a 19 minute phone call – threatened “there’s going to be a bonfire” and “made unpleasant comments about his mother”, Mr Pulling said.
He also said that if police attended he would set fire to them too, and during the call could be heard pouring petrol over himself. When police arrived, Gibson came out the side of the house and “fell over a wall”. “He was heavily intoxicated,” Mr Pulling said.
Officers seized three plastic cannisters, as well as a lighter and an unlit cigarette. The defendant was taken to Prince Philip Hospital and was later arrested. He gave a no comment police interview on August 19.
Gibson, 27, of Llechyfedach in Upper Tumble, had no previous convictions. He pleaded guilty to making a threat to damage property. “Clearly there are mental health issues in Mr Gibson’s case,” said Harry Dickens, in mitigation.
“This is a defendant where the greatest risk is to himself. “He was heavily intoxicated. There’s little he remembers.
But he does accept the prosecution’s case in full. “This is not someone who is a hardened criminal. This is someone who needs support.
” Mr Dickens said Gibson had passed substance misuse and alcohol misuse programmes whilst in custody. “Had you in fact intended to carry out what you said you were intending to do, you would have,” Judge Paul Thomas KC said. Gibson received a two-year community order, which Judge Thomas said was “to give you the support and help you need to prevent you reoffending”.
He must complete 120 hours of unpaid work and 25 rehabilitation activity requirement days. Mr Pulling said there was no application for a restraining order against Gibson. “I do not cease to be amazed at a mother’s love,” Judge Thomas said.
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