Tyrone man jailed for setting fire to house

A County Tyrone man set fire to his own house and was later found by police lying on a footpath nearby being treated by emergency services, Dungannon Magistrates Court heard on Wednesday.
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Paul Joseph Hughes (25), of Gortgonis Terrace, Coalisland, was jailed for a total of nine months by District Judge Michael Ranaghan who remarked that his actions had put at risk the lives of members of the Fire Service and others.

Hughes was sentenced on charges of arson, assault and resisting police, and attempted criminal damage and resisting police on May 1, July 3 and July 20 this year.

Judge Ranaghan said the arson was the most serious charge.

Counsel prosecuting told the court that police were tasked to Coalisland to a house on fire and people were believed trapped.

She said a kitchen door was damaged and substantial damage was caused to an upstairs bedroom.

Counsel said police were informed by a witness that Hughes, who was being treated by emergency services, had set his house on fire.

Defence lawyer Craig Patton said while Hughes has amassed quite a record for a young man, most of them were of just being a nuisance.

He said the defendant has alcohol and drug issues and has been in custody for 156 days, the equivalent of a ten month sentence.

Mr Patton stressed that the defendant has managed to find himself a job as he realises he cannot continue to behave like this.

Firefighters come under attack - read here.

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