Why Sunderland 'monster' who committed arson outside his ex-partner's home has avoided jail

Liam Barry had warned the woman on April 28 he would smash her windows and said “watch what happens”.

Newcastle Crown Court heard the victim, who was at home with their five-month-old child, was so concerned she contacted Barry's father, who attended her home to try to calm things down.

Prosecutor Saba Shan said the dad told Barry to stay away but added: “The complainant noticed there was a fire outside in her rear garden.

“She saw the defendant had entered her rear garden with a petrol can and set fire to the clothes hanging on the washing line.”

The court heard Barry's dad bravely extinguished the flames and suffered a burn to his hand.

Damage was caused to a door and window as a result of the fire, which cost the landlord more than £1,000 to fix.

The victim said in an impact statement she was “absolutely terrified” and feared the flames could spread and cause harm to her baby.

She added: “I cannot find it in myself to ever forgive him.”

The woman described Barry as a “monster” but added: "I hope he gets the help he needs, his actions are not normal.”

Barry, who is 23 and of Rose Avenue, in Houghton-le-Spring, Sunderland, pleaded guilty to one count of arson.

He has avoided an immediate jail term, however, after the court heard he had no previous convictions and had taken steps to improve his life since the incident.

Andrew Walker, defending, said Barry, was at “rock bottom emotionally” and had been drinking and taking drugs but is now ashamed and remorseful.

Judge Tom Moran said Barry, who is in employment, was in an “emotional state”, “emotionally immature” and is no longer self medicating with drink or drugs, which has improved his mental health.

The judge said Barry has a good prospect of rehabilitation and sentenced him to 16 months in prison, which were suspended for two years, with 150 hours of unpaid work and a probation requirement.