A man who set fire to his family home, a school gym and several cars has had the balance of his four-year sentence suspended. George Sturdy was wished "the best of luck" by Judge Frank O'Donnell after he considered a probationary report and evidence from a psychiatrist, who said that the chances of Sturdy reoffending were "very slight".
Sturdy (21), of Dublin Street, Baldoyle, pleaded guilty in 1998 to seven counts of arson, one of aggravated burglary and one of carrying a dangerous weapon on dates between 1995 and 1997.
Dr Brian McCaffery said that Sturdy's attitude had changed. Psychotherapy had revealed that alcohol had played a major part in his history.
Judge O'Donnell ordered Sturdy to reside at his family home for 12 months and to remain under the supervision of the probationary service for the next two years. He also ordered him to have further psychotherapy sessions.