Desperate dad poured petrol over himself in 'utterly terrifying' incident after family row

Kevin Faddy threatened to ignite the liquid during the terrifying stand-off last summer, but the lighter he picked up failed to spark.

The 55-year-old, of Sunderland Road, East Boldon, admitted threatening to commit criminal damage.

Prosecutor Lee Fish told Newcastle Crown Court there had been an argument at the family home last August 1 and an "atmosphere" continued into the following day.

Mr Fish said Faddy had gone out of the house initially but added: "He then returned home and started to pour petrol all over himself and over the hallway.

"He said 'I don't want to be here any more, if you don't get out you will get it as well'.

"The defendant tried to light it with a lighter it emerged didn't work, it didn't light.”

He added: "Everyone got out."

The court heard Faddy admitted what he had done during police interview but was keen to emphasise he did not intend to cause any harm to his family.

Mr Fish said while the family were "very frightened" by what happened, they said it was not the sort of behaviour they had seen before and wanted him to get help with his mental health.The court heard Faddy claimed he knew the lighter he picked up would not ignite.Judge Julie Clemitson sentenced Faddy, who has spent time in prison on remand and was hospitalised with coronavirus, to a community order for 18 months with rehabilitation requirements.The judge said what happened must have been "utterly terrifying" but Faddy's family understand he "needs help as opposed to punishment" at this stage.

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