Blaze-Threat Son Splashed Petrol Around Mum's Flat

A troublesome son who threatened to set his mother’s flat ablaze after dousing it in petrol – vowing he did not care if they died in the inferno - has dodged prison with a suspended sentence.

James Clements, 38, screamed: “You call the old bill and I’ll set this place alight and I don’t care if we die in it,” – prompting a stand-off with police who rushed to the address.

He pleaded guilty at Croydon Crown Court to threatening to cause criminal damage to the flat in Waldegrave Road, Crystal Palace on March 15 and possessing a small amount of amphetamine.

Prosecutor Mr. Andrew Ramsubhag told the court there had been a long history of police call-outs to the address, because of trouble caused by drug-addict Clements to his mother Janet Martin.

Problems erupted again on the day with Clements branding his long-suffering mother: “No fucking use to me,” adding: “If you call the police, it’ll be the last thing you do.”

He emptied the contents of a red petrol can all over the hallway and lit a cigarette while shouting threats – resulting in his mother fleeing the flat and calling 999 from a phonebox.

She told officers: “I’m terrified of what James will do to me. I never want James to return to the address.”

Neighbours were evacuated at 9.45pm and police talked Clements out of the flat at 10.20pm.

“He was in a very emotional state,” explained Mr. Ramsubhag, adding a small amount of amphetamines belonging to the defendant were found in a kitchen dish.

Clements has been locked-up since the incident and has twenty-five previous offences, including an assault on his mother.

The mother of his child also has a non-molestation order against him.

“It is a pretty frightening experience having petrol in your living-room,” announced Judge Ruth Downing. “It is a heavy cross to bear when your son is in his thirties causing so much trouble.”

Clements was sentenced to nine months imprisonment, suspended for eighteen months and ordered to attend eight sessions with an alcohol worker and attend a thinking skills programme.