KEY POINTS:
A man who caused more than $100,000 worth of damage with multiple arson attacks was deeply affected by medication, Wellington District Court was told today.
Cameron Gallagher, 18, who previously admitted nine charges of arson, was sentenced to eight months' home detention and ordered to pay reparations of $2000, after Judge Bruce Davidson said his background had to be looked at sympathetically.
Gallagher was born significantly premature and suffered both physical and psychological limitations as a result . He had contracted hepatitis C after a blood transfusion and had been being treated with the medication interferon, Judge Davidson said.
A physician's statement to the court said the medication was known to have psychological effects, including depression, and Judge Davidson said he believed this was what had happened in Gallagher's case.
Gallagher stalked the area around his Miramar house from January 5 to May 4 this year, setting fire to cars, Miramar South School and a neighbour's house because he was angry with life.
He was charged with the attacks after his mother identified him in CCTV camera footage from the school.
Judge Davidson said the incident had been a wake-up call for not just Gallagher but also his family , who were crowded into court's gallery today.
- NZPA
