Keven Watherston assisted wife after she torched Elizabeth South rental home in revenge attack against landlord

A man who watched his house burn down with his wife after she torched it in revenge against their landlord has avoided jail so he can look after their children.

A man has avoided jail for watching his rental home burn after his wife set it on fire in a revenge attack on their landlord.

Keven James Gordan Watherston, 33, aided and abetted his wife, Rhiannon Sarri Watherston, 37, after she torched their Elizabeth South rental home on October 2, 2020.

During sentencing, the court heard Ms Watherston gathered cardboard boxes and clothes into a bedroom at the rental home before setting it on fire just before 2am.

Judge Michael Durrant said the “calculated and planned” fire caused “extensive damage” to multiple rooms at the property, leaving a $228,000 damage bill.

During Ms Watherston’s sentencing in October, the court heard her motivation was revenge and a desire to hurt the landlord and his family after they were given 90 days notice to vacate the premises.

Rhiannon Watherston was jailed in October for setting fire to the rental property. Picture: NCA NewsWire/Kelly Barnes

Keven Watherston was handed a suspended sentence for his role. Picture: NCA NewsWire/Kelly Barnes

Ms Watherston was captured on CCTV entering and leaving the house within three minutes, before being driven away by Mr Watherston.

“Your wife told you then that she had lit the fire,” Judge Durrant said.

“You drove away and parked on a nearby vacant piece of land to observe the house, leaving about 10 minutes later when the rear room brightened confirming the fire had taken hold.”

Judge Durrant imposed a jail term of four years and three months on Ms Watherston, with a non-parole period of two years.

Mr Watherston also pleaded guilty to arson.

Scott Laidlaw, for Mr Watherston, told the court during sentencing submissions his client’s relationship with Ms Watherston was a loving one but wasn’t even in terms of the power balance.

“There does appear to be a leader follower type relationship here and there’s largely been an acquiescence by Mr Watherston to any demands or pressures provided by Ms Watherston,” he said.

“He now accepts that there were a number of other options available to him, including … calling the fire brigade immediately.”

The court heard Mr Watherston, who is on the disability support pension, had an intellectual disability and an IQ less than 55.

Judge Durrant sentenced Mr Watherston to two years and four months jail, with a non-parole period of one year and one month.

“It was fortunate that your actions did not cause physical harm to anyone and that the fire did not spread to neighbouring properties causing further damage,” he said.
Due to Mr Watherston now being the primary carer of the couple’s children and lesser role in the offending, the sentence was suspended on a $500, two year good behaviour bond.