Pigeon-cree arsonist jailed for two years

[Columbi]

Published Date:
03 August 2009
By Rob Freeth
An arsonist who started a cree fire which killed 160 pedigree pigeons has been jailed for two years.
Andrew Hubbard was branded a coward by cree owner Raymond Hammond, who has dipped into his pit pension to replace the birds.

Durham Crown Court heard Mr Hammond lost birds valued at £30,000, and three crees worth another £16,000.

"The crees were at a Paradise Allotments in Easington Colliery," said Michael Graham, prosecuting. "There had been problems with vandalism at the allotments and one of the holders decided to stop overnight in a caravan.

"He was awoken at 2.30am by the loud noises of the glass in the crees breaking.

"Police were called and arrested this defendant in a nearby back lane.

"He was obviously drunk, he was sweating, smelled of smoke, and there were pigeon droppings and feathers stuck to his trainers."

Hubbard, 28, of Nesbit Road, Peterlee, admitted arson on July 29, last year. He was of previous good character.

Roger Moore, defending, said in mitigation: "While one feels for Mr Hammond's loss, this was not the worst case of arson and no human lives were put at risk.

"Mr Hubbard, who had not offended before this incident, appears to have been depressed and to have had far too much to drink.

"He functions on a pretty simple basis, and he never seems to have got over the depression caused by the death of his father."

Judge Peter Armstrong jailed Hubbard for two years and told him: "There was no reason for this serious offence of arson, other than you were depressed and had drunk too much.

"It is a sad case all round, sad for Mr Hammond because of what he has lost, but also sad for you.

"You have lost both your good name and your liberty."

Speaking after the case, Mr Hammond said: "Hubbard is a coward who creeps around at night causing bother, rather than face anyone.

"I'm pleased he got a jail sentence, because you know how the system works these days and I was worried he would get off.

"I love the birds and the sport and first went to the allotments 50 years ago with my father, when I was three years old.

"I've started again in a different place. It's my only hobby and once you are into the birds there is no way you can just give it up."

Mr Hammond said his new pigeons had had their first race at the weekend and some had done very well.
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[monty.]

They should of hung him.

[rubadub]

Aface to remember