A 29-year-old man has admitted to setting a string of fires at his aunt’s home.
When he appeared before Senior Justice Bernard Turner yesterday, Andrew Bain pleaded guilty to three counts of arson of a dwelling house in relation to the fires that he set to Judy Wallace’s home.
The first fire took place on July 30, 2021 and resulted in $1,000 in damage to the front of the home.
Bain struck again on September 7. On that occasion, he set fire to the efficiency where his cousin lived.
The blaze was extinguished and resulted in $2,500 in damage.
The final fire took place on October 24 and caused $1,000 in damage.
Surveillance footage from a neighbor’s security cameras showed that the arsonist had a similar build and gait as Bain.
He was subsequently arrested and interviewed.
During the interview, Bain admitted to setting the fires because he suspected that his cousin was sleeping with his wife.
In court, Bain said that he and his wife had moved back with his aunt, who grew him up, after they lost their jobs during the pandemic.
Bain said that he was going through a lot and had also been admitted to Sandilands Rehabilitation Centre (SRC).
Vernal Collie, the prosecutor, confirmed that Bain was in SRC from April 27, 2021 to May 25, 2021.
Given the proximity to the Bain’s release from SRC and the first fire, the judge requested more information about his stay at the mental health facility.
Turner also referred the case to the Public Defender’s Office.
The matter has been adjourned to August 26 at a 10 a.m.
