Arsonist jailed for causing £200,000 worth of damage to Grade II building

Stefan Geary caused significant damage to the derelict building when torched it while sleeping rough in the former community centre.

The fire destroyed the roof of the building and left one the gable walls in a highly dangerous condition.

Fifty-year old Geary had just finished a 15 year sentence for his sixth offence of fire-raising when he caused £200,000 worth of damage to the building in South Bank, Middlesbrough, on September 29 last year.

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Geary, who had a fascination with fires and liked to watch them being put out, approached a fire officer at the scene and told him what he had done, Teesside Crown Court heard.

He said that he was homeless and planned to spend the night there after lighting a fire to keep warm but it got out of control.

The former presbytery dates back to 1881 and was once used as a probation office and a community centre.

A psychiatric report said that he was a high risk of starting future fires and he admitted he had thought about setting fire to his cell in Durham Jail, said Sam Faulks, prosecuting.

Paul Green, in mitigation, said his client understood the concerns about the risk he posed, and that the probation service was willing to help him address his issues.

Stefan Geary

Geary, of Furness Street, Hartlepool, was sentenced to eight years with the last four years on extended licence after he pleaded guilty to arson.

He had previously been jailed at Newcastle Crown Court after causing more than £1.5m worth of damage.

He broke into each property and used accelerant to start their fire – and would then watch as fire crews struggled to tackle the blaze.

Speaking after the hearing, Cleveland Fire Brigade’s Chief Fire Officer Ian Hayton said: “We fully support the sentence handed to Mr Stefan Geary which will ensure that Cleveland is a safer place.

"This is clear message that such criminal and irresponsible behaviour is totally unacceptable and will not be tolerated within the communities, we strive to make a better place for everyone living in them.

"Arson causes a blight on our local area and community facilities and we will continue to work with our partners to bring those individuals who are intent on causing damage and destruction through starting deliberate fires to justice.”