Damian Curran jailed for lighting ex-supervisor’s Islington home alight after losing his job

In an “act of revenge” after having his shifts canned, a Newcastle demolition worker went to his supervisor’s home and set it ablaze with a cigarette lighter.

Curran was jailed at Newcastle District Court on Friday (AAP Image/Mark Russell)

In a “spontaneous” decision as an act of “payback” after having his shifts canned, a Newcastle demolition worker went to his ex-supervisor’s home with a mate and set it ablaze with a cigarette lighter.

Damian Curran, 47, was taken off his work roster and not given any shifts, which sparked a barrage of abusive phone calls and threats by him to his then supervisor before he was fired, Newcastle District Court heard.

Curran fronted the court via video link on Friday as it was heard he was “determined to get his revenge” after his job was terminated.

It was heard Curran went to his supervisor’s home in Islington while he was at work on March 25 last year with another man and broke in.

There the pair stole a valuable coin collection, stamp collection, personal documents including a passport, five watches and a cordless drill.

Damian Curran on CCTV who for set his boss' home in Islington alight in March 2024. Credit: NSW Police

It was confirmed in court the 47-year-old used a cigarette lighter to set a bedroom on fire before a second fire was lit in another bedroom.

The blaze took hold of the property but was witnessed by a neighbour who then called police and the fire brigade.

The pair were captured on CCTV walking away from the home, with police publicly circulating the images as part of their investigation.

Some months later, both men were arrested and charged before Curran pleaded guilty to aggravated enter a dwelling with intent to commit larceny, larceny and destroy property, with a charge of intimidation taken into account.

Following submissions from both the prosecution and Curran’s defence, Judge Roy Ellis said it was clear his actions were completely unwarranted and served as an “act of revenge” for losing his job.

Mr Ellis noted the significant damage to the home and said using a cigarette lighter was a fairly amateur method for lighting a fire.

“Spontaneous decision. Some type of payback,” he said.

Mr Ellis said Curran suffered from poor conflict resolution skills and had a lengthy criminal history.

The 47-year -old was jailed for three years and nine months with a non-parole period of two years.

He’ll be eligible for release in June next year.

The second man involved has been listed for sentencing in August.