$600K arsonist jailed for 6yrs

The man responsible for more than $600,000 worth of arson and burglary damage in Palmerston North has been jailed for six years.

Christopher Tubman, 35, was sentenced to a minimum non-parole period of four years when he appeared in Palmerston North District Court on Friday, the Manawatu Standard reported.

He had earlier admitted 17 charges of arson, burglary and possession of burglary tools after fires were lit during a six-week spree in May and June this year.

Fires struck Freyberg High School, Leisureplex, Terrace End School, Cafe Esplanade, Farmers, and several other properties.

Defence lawyer Fergus Steedman said Tubman became hooked on lighting fires.

He was angry and bitter after a temporary work contract from a construction company ceased in February.

The butcher-by-trade ransacked and set fire to a manager's family home in revenge.

Judge Gerard Lynch said the damage across the city was "staggering".

"This was one of the worst cases of arson and burglary to come before the court in years."

Tubman had led an unproductive life, while maintaining untreated drug and alcohol issues, Judge Lynch said.

It was unrealistic to impose reparation orders.

- NZPA