Bradley John Parkinson jailed after armchair fire takes off, damages Waverley property

Bradley John Parkinson had two months of his sentence suspended on the condition that he commit no imprisonable offence for 12 months.

Police prosecutor Trudi Lusted said Parkinson and another man, who is yet to face the court, walked up to the door of a person who they had a disagreement with about 2.10am on February 23, 2020.

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Parkinson's offsider lit a fire on an armchair which then progressed up the wall, causing damage to the exterior and causing four window panes to smash.

Parkinson sent a message to the complainant saying his house was on fire and that he had run through the house looking for him.

In an interview with police he said he was quite intoxicated and had had a disagreement with the householder over several days.

He claimed he was being set up for the fire.

Defence counsel Beri Kurdistan said Parkinson was pleading guilty on the basis that he was part of a joint criminal enterprise.

"Mr [other defendant] started the fire and Mr Parkinson is guilty by failing to prevent it and by placing something on the fire," she said.

"His actions after the event demonstrate that he was immediately sorry, he tried to notify the complainant and called out to neighbour for a hose."

She said Parkinson contacted his partner and and asked her to contact Tasmanian Fire Service.

"He was not able to contact the complainant to explain his actions," she said.

Magistrate Ken Stanton asked what the explanation was.

Ms Kurdistan said her instructions did not extend to an explanation.

"The communication to the complainant looked designed to divert attention from him as a perpetrator rather than explanation of remorse," Mr Stanton remarked.

In sentencing Mr Stanton said Parkinson's offence was at the more serious end of setting fire to property.

"You have no prior offences for this sort of conduct so I accept this is out of character," he said.

"But I need to impose a penalty that will send a clear message that this conduct is wrong."

"It is a step of last resort to impose imprisonment and must be done with reluctance where a person has the prospect of employment."

He convicted him and sentenced him to four months' jail with two months suspended.

A compensation order in favour of Housing Tasmania was made with the terms adjourned

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