Rodney Allan Daley: Man sentenced over Kiama St house fire
An Albury man who deliberately set fire to a house and gutted it told a court he didn’t bother to get a lawyer because there was “no point wasting anybody’s time”.
Albury Wodonga
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A Spingdale Heights home was “completely gutted” after Albury man Rodney Allan Daley set the house on Kiama St ablaze.
The 48-year-old represented himself via video link in Albury Local Court on Tuesday after pleading guilty to threatening to damage property, and damaging property by fire.
When Magistrate Richard Funston asked Daley why he hadn’t selected legal representation, Daley said “there’s no point wasting anybody’s time”.
Daley admitted he had been drinking heavily at the time of the blaze, but knew the occupant of the premises wasn’t home at the time.
Police Prosecutor sergeant Andrew Coombs said Daley showed no remorse for his actions.
“He made the threat and he carried it out,” Sgt Coombs said.
“The premises was completely gutted.”
Magistrate Funston said he would take into account Daley’s battle with mental health, after he made a suicide attempt while in custody at Long Bay Correctional Centre.
Daley’s sister appeared in person at Albury Local Court to support her brother during his sentencing.
Magistrate Funston sentenced Daley to a 12-month aggregate sentence, with special circumstances where he would spend 6 months in custody with a 6 month parole period.
Daley’s time in custody was backdated to his arrest on August 13, with an earliest release date of February 12.
“I have dealt with you leniently,” Magistrate Funston said.
“Life has been hard for you and I accept you have some mental health issues you’re dealing with.
“I want you to get some help.
“Your sister is in court supporting you, and she’s pretty teary, but you’ve got someone here who cares about you.”
Call Lifeline on 13 11 14, the Suicide Call Back Service on 1300 659 467, Headspace on 1800 650 890, Kids Helpline on 1800 55 1800 or Beyond Blue on 1300 22 4636.
Contact Cassandra Glover at cassandra.glover@news.com.au
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