Life changes after petrol suicide bid
A man who tried to commit suicide in a bizarre petrol incident last year has proved to be a talented musician.
He is now studying music, living with his mother and grandmother, and making real progress, according to his defence counsel, Kirsten Gray.
Christchurch District Court Judge Jane Farish said at his sentencing: “Everyone tells me you are a very accomplished musician. Your doctor sees this as being the best thing that has happened to you for a long time.”
Last June, he forced his way into his mother’s house in St Albans, threatened to set it on fire, and poured petrol over himself.
When he threatened to kill a policeman who had been called, the officer wrestled a lighter off him and tackled him to the ground.
The man, now aged 24, spent six months on remand in custody but eventually pleaded guilty to charges of threatening to kill and doing a dangerous act with reckless disregard for safety. Since pleading, he has been on bail awaiting sentence.
Judge Farish noted the mental health issues that have now been diagnosed, including autism spectrum disorder. Miss Gray said he suffered from a “cocktail” of mental health conditions which had impacted on him and his family.
The court was told he had gone to his mother’s house on the day of the incident to make demands, and then probably to take his own life. His mother and grandmother have supported him throughout the court process.
Judge Farish imposed a sentence of 12 months supervision with a special condition that he be seen by a departmental psychologist and take treatment and counselling as required.
She warned him that if he behaved in a threatening way towards his mother or any other family member, he could expect a likely term of imprisonment.
She granted final name suppression.
Category: News
Subscribe
If you enjoyed this article, subscribe to receive more just like it.
Connect
Connect with us via: