Judge tells 20-year-old arsonist to “grow up” after dangerous outburst

A YOUNG man who set fire to his girlfriend’s clothes following a drunken argument was told by a judge to “grow up” after admitting arson.

Callum Rees, aged 20, had been living with his partner of four months at an address in Johnston when the incident occurred in the early hours of Monday (June 16).

Prosecutor Brian Simpson told Swansea Crown Court that Rees returned home shortly after midnight after drinking with friends. An argument quickly developed between the couple, prompting his partner to leave the property to allow tensions to ease.

When she later returned, the house was filled with smoke.

Mr Simpson said Rees had gathered a pile of his partner’s clothes inside the property and deliberately set them alight.

Police were called at around 1.20am. As officers attended the scene, they spotted Rees walking nearby and arrested him.

During interview, Rees told officers he had started the fire after an argument in which his partner refused to return his passport and wallet. He claimed he extinguished the flames himself after realising the seriousness of what he had done.

Rees, of St Peters Road, Johnston, pleaded guilty to arson.

Defence barrister Jon Tarrant said his client was of previous good character and had no prior convictions.

“Although a fire was started, it was small in scale and the defendant stamped it out almost immediately,” he said.

Sentencing Rees, Paul Thomas KC was highly critical of his behaviour.

“He’s 20 years old but acting like a 14-year-old,” the judge remarked.

Addressing Rees directly, Judge Thomas added: “What you did was spiteful, foolish, and potentially very dangerous. You are fortunate that your former partner no longer supports this prosecution.”