Christopher Ions, 39, of Mitre Place, South Shields, has been sentenced for arson after setting his mother's car on fire in what a judge described as "a childish and dangerous act of revenge". The incident occurred in the middle of the night on May 28, when Ions, who was intoxicated, used an accelerant to set the vehicle alight at his 71-year-old mother's address in Birtley.
His mother, who was grieving the recent death of her husband, was alone in the house and feared her car would explode. She tried to put out the fire herself before emergency services arrived at 1.30am. Newcastle Moot Hall heard that the victim had contacted police a few days earlier to report her son for drink driving, which prompted the revenge attack.
Victim's harrowing statement
In a statement to the court, the victim described the impact of the incident. She said that while her son was growing up they had "a lovely family life", but that this changed when he turned 15 and went "down the wrong path", leaving home and starting "to live a transient lifestyle".
Speaking about the arson, she told the court: "I was so frightened as I had just filled the car with petrol that day and I didn't know if the petrol tank would explode if the fire would get to it." She added: "I remember the shock kicking in and I could not stop shaking."
She said: "I have struggled to come to terms with the fact that Christopher has done this to me. My husband passed away only four months ago and I can't believe he would do this to his mum." Her car remained damaged and she has been left without a vehicle since the incident, affecting her daily life. She stated: "I have been left with an extremely nervous demeanour. I'm jittery all the time and I have lost the confidence I once had. My drive and get-up-and-go has completely gone. My personality has gone. My nerves are shot to pieces."
Sentence and conditions
Ions pleaded guilty to arson. His barrister, Katie Spence, told the court that "a lot of his issues come from substance misuse" and that he had been deemed suitable for an alcohol treatment programme. Spence said Ions, who had been in custody for around six months, had already made progress, gaining certificates and completing courses while behind bars. She added: "He's incredibly sorry. He's disgusted by the way that he has behaved. Through me, he would like to express the most remorse he possibly can. He's disgusted at himself."
Passing sentence, Recorder Nick Tucker said: "On the 24th of May this year, your mum contacted the police and told them you were drink driving. She recognised that you were putting members of the public at serious risk. It was a hard decision to make that call. It resulted in your arrest." He told Ions he set her car on fire in "a childish and dangerous act of revenge", adding: "Your spiteful behaviour left her without a means of transport" and "This offence was committed for revenge".
However, the recorder acknowledged that Ions had already spent nearly six months behind bars, was suitable for an alcohol treatment programme and had made efforts to progress. He sentenced Ions to 21 months in prison, suspended for two years, ordering him to complete a treatment course and carry out 100 hours of unpaid work. A five-year restraining order was also made to protect his mother.
