Liam Zachariah James McNamara pleads guilty to attempted arson at Upper Coomera home

The father of a man given a years-long jail sentence for trying to burn down their Gold Coast home says his son needs help - but that there is a “massive hole” in the state’s mental health system.

The father of a man who locked him out on a balcony before dousing their Gold Coast home in petrol and setting it alight says his son has been let down by the mental health system.

An argument broke out between Liam Zachariah James McNamara and his father on June 23 last year after McNamara had to walk home from work due to his dad being delayed.

Southport District Court was told McNamara locked his father out on the balcony and said, “Don’t f — k with a mentally unstable person – they’re unpredictable”.

Crown prosecutor Kelli Lemass said the 24-year-old ignored his father’s repeated requests to be let back inside, instead approaching the door with a jerry can and saying he was going to burn the house to the ground with his dad inside it.

Liam McNamara. Picture: Facebook/Liam McNamara

Ms Lemass said McNamara then splashed fuel through the house and set it alight.

McNamara’s father called triple-0 and his other sons who, along with others, braved the smoke and flames to lead their dad to safety and help extinguish the fire.

The court was told McNamara was arrested at the scene, later telling police he “lost it” and acted “on impulse” after the argument with his father and wished he had not done it.

The insurance payout to repair damage to the kitchen and other areas of the Upper Coomera rental home was about $225,000, it was heard.

McNamara – who had been in custody since his arrest – was supported in court by his father and other family members.

Defence barrister Damien Gates, instructed by Hannay Lawyers, said his client had a traumatic background and had previously received psychological treatment, but struggled to access mental health support while in jail.

Father of Liam McNamara speaking outside court after his son's sentencing. Picture: Jessica Paul

Mr Gates said McNamara also had a strong support network in Victoria – including a relative who worked in the mental health field – that would offer stability upon his release.

McNamara pleaded guilty to one count of attempted arson (domestic violence offence).

He was sentenced to three years’ jail with immediate parole release.

Speaking outside the courthouse, his father told reporters that there was “a massive hole” in the state’s mental health system that needed to be fixed.

“Today is one of those things that a family needs to try to get together and try and re-evaluate and move everything forward in a positive manner,” he said.

“I am still supportive of my son, 100 per cent – I love him dearly.

“Obviously justice has got to be served, but at the end of the day I would like to have things operated so my son can actually get the help he actually deserves.”

Originally published as Liam Zachariah James McNamara pleads guilty to attempted arson at Upper Coomera home