Man Jailed for Three Years Following Arson at Ex-Partner’s Home

Christopher Bertram, 43, has received a three-year prison sentence for setting fire to his former girlfriend’s residence. Teesside Crown Court was informed that Bertram caused significant damage to the mid-terraced property in Stanley, County Durham, during August. The victim stated that she is currently awaiting a new house, having been unable to reoccupy her previous home. Bertram, whose address is Palmer Street in Stanley, pleaded guilty to charges of arson, specifically being reckless as to whether life was endangered, and criminal damage. Prosecutor Deborah Smithies explained that Bertram and the woman had been in a six-month relationship which concluded acrimoniously earlier in the year. The court heard that at approximately 11:30 BST on 31 August, Bertram forcibly entered her mid-terrace residence and initiated a fire in the living room. Fortunately, neighbours observed his actions and were able to alert the fire brigade. A statement from the victim, read aloud in court, conveyed that she had been rendered homeless, which had resulted in “a lot of emotional distress”. She further stated that she had lived contentedly at the house and that Bertram had had a “massive effect” on her life. During mitigation, Calum McNicholas asserted that Bertram was now free from drugs and had embraced a new religious faith. Judge Richard Bennett noted that Bertram, who possessed a history of domestic abuse, had harbored a “grudge” and was intoxicated when he carried out the assault. The judge added that Bertram’s act of bringing a water bottle filled with petrol to the location indicated premeditation and planning, and that had the fire propagated, numerous residents on the terraced street could have been put at risk.