A Merritt woman who pleaded guilty to arson charges was given a suspended sentence in B.C. Supreme Court in Kamloops on Thursday.
Patricia Clarke was given two years’ probation and will not serve jail time for uttering threats and setting fire to the Quilchena Avenue residence of her ex-boyfriend.
On Jan. 11, 2014, the man said he received threatening text messages from Clarke, stating she would light his mother’s house on fire.
This exchange occurred because the 33-year-old man was romantically involved with Clarke’s 17-year-old sister, and then 22-year-old Clarke wanted the relationship to stop.
Prosecutor Joel Gold told the Herald that Clarke became angry with her ex-boyfriend for refusing to end the relationship and had sent the man threatening texts in December. On Jan. 11 she made the specific threat of arson.
Less than an hour after sending the message, neighbours reported that the home’s front entrance was on fire.
Clarke made two attempts to set the fire.
Her childhood friend drove her to the home where Clarke attempted to light the entrance on fire using gasoline, but was unsuccessful, Gold said.
The two women left, drove back a short time later, and Clarke was able to set the fire and left the scene, Gold said.
No one was hurt in the incident. The flames were extinguished and caused only minor damage to siding on the front of the house.
RCMP located the suspects at their Merritt residence. Both were arrested and charged with arson.
The Crown subsequently dropped the arson charges against the friend as she did not participate in setting the fire.
Clarke took full responsibility for the arson, and had the damaged siding repaired, Gold said.
He said Clarke pleaded guilty to the charges back in September.
Thursday morning saw both the Crown and defence enter submissions. Gold asked Judge Hope Hyslop for a sentence of 90 days in jail, while defence lawyer Jonathan Desbarats asked for a sentence without jail time.
Gold said this type of sentence for an arson case is rare.
Clarke is under several conditions under her probation, including having no contact with her ex-boyfriend, and is prohibited from possessing weapons and incendiary devices, and from consuming alcohol.
