Lewisham Man Escapes Jail After Threatening to Torch Family Home
Harry Gibson, 42, from Lewisham High Street, narrowly avoided prison on Monday (March 2) after smashing a family home and threatening arson.
Threats and Violent Outburst
Prosecutor Edmund Blackman revealed Gibson sent chilling messages to his brother-in-law, warning he planned to burn down his parents’ house. On December 4 last year, Gibson smashed the front door window of their home in a violent outburst. He was arrested the same day.
“He admitted to police he was lashing out at his parents and claimed nobody would believe he’d actually carry out the arson,” Blackman said.
Mental Health Issues and Suspended Sentence
The former museum and child support worker pleaded guilty to criminal damage. The court heard Gibson was off his mental health medication during the incident.
Judge Ben Gumpert handed down a two-month jail term, suspended for six months, and added a one-month electronically monitored curfew.
“When you feel wrong or aggrieved, you behave in a violent way,” the judge told Gibson.
