Belleville police responded to the residential fire at 204 Lingham Street just after 2 a.m. on August 9, 2024.
All occupants were out of the residence.
One of the occupants, Bradley Stewart, 33 years old at the time, advised police that he was responsible for igniting the fire as a result of an ongoing feud and animosity amongst his roommates.
He was arrested at the scene.
Stewart stated that he started the fire by putting his blanket by the electrical panel in his basement bedroom and igniting it with a lighter and bug spray, and then left the residence to go for a walk about 30 minutes prior to Belleville Fire receiving the call.
Damages exceeded $200,000 and other tenants were displaced.
Stewart pleaded guilty on December 16.
On Monday, Justice Elaine Deluzio gave Stewart 10 months credit for the time he has served since his arrest and sentenced him to an additional 10 months custody with a recommendation that it be served at the St. Lawrence Valley Correctional and Treatment Centre in Brockville to get assistance with his mental health.
Following his release, he will be on probation for two years to report to a probation officer, take counselling as directed, not to have any contact with any of the former tenants or the landlord of the premises and to not go to 204 Lingham Street in Belleville.
