Arsonist apologises to victims after rampage

Benjamin Samuel Trathen apologised to his victims and appeared to have a panic attack that left him gasping for breath in the dock as he was sentenced to four years jail for his offending rampage in Nelson.

The 22-year-old had already been crying as he spoke to the judge in the Christchurch District Court before his sentencing on 14 charges including, arson, attempted arson, and reckless driving, that had put lives at risk.

He told Judge Phillip Moran: "I'm really sorry to all the people. It seems almost like a dream - that's how I remember it. I can't believe I was capable of such malice. I'll be forever regretting it."

Defence counsel Paul Johnson described Trathen as young, contrite, and troubled. He handed in a letter to the judge from Trathen, and letters of apology to all his victims.

Crown prosecutor Sara Jamieson said Trathen's offending over a 48-hour period in Nelson had been serious and had put lives at risk.

It had caused property damage totalling more than $16,000 and the crown asked for a minimum non-parole period.

Judge Moran said Trathen had been introduced to drugs at a young age and had a childhood that had been "less than satisfactory". He had been subject to violence and abuse, and had run away after being placed in Child, Youth, and Family care.

In November, his rampage of offending began when he was expelled from a flat. He made threats, threw a firebomb which did not explode, torched two cars, took a cleaning company's van, tried to use a fuel card, and drove off with the police in pursuit.

During the chase he knocked a postman off his bike, causing minor injury and damaging the bike. He didn't stop after the crash.

One car he burnt was parked in a carport beneath occupied flats. A baby was asleep upstairs. The molotov cocktail he threw through lounge window splashed onto a woman and her child who were watching television, but did not ignite.

"The fact that you were out of your mind on drugs explains it, but doesn't excuse your offending," said the judge.

Having heard from Trathen and read his letter, he described him as an intelligent and articulate young man, and imposed what he described as a merciful sentence without a minimum non-parole term.

He noted a psychological report described him as having a range of mental health conditions: bipolar disorder, obsessive compulsive disorder, depression, and personality disorder.

He said he would leave it to the Parole Board to decide on Trathen's release, and disqualified him from driving for three years.

Trathen's family and supporters were in court and waved and called to him as he was led out to begin the sentence.

- NZPA