Romsey firefighter praised for saving arsonist's life

James Everett was awarded £250 for his heroics after he pulled Robert McMahon from his burning home in Mercer Way, Romsey.

McMahon had been suffering from poor mental health in the days leading up to the incident and had decided to set his own home on fire as a “cry for help,” a court heard.

Starting the blaze by setting newspaper alight, he had intended to take his own life, Judge Brian Foster KC said.

READ MORE: Romsey man who was saved by off-duty firefighter set fire to own home

But when Mr Everett heard smoke alarms sounding, he went to investigate and insisted that defiant McMahon left the property.

Speaking at the 54-year-old’s sentencing on Monday, Judge Foster said the firefighter’s efforts in “giving immediate assistance” had “prevented the spread of any fire”.

The £250 was awarded to him from public funds.

James Everett. (Image: Hampshire and Isle of Wight Fire and Rescue Service.)

McMahon, who claimed he had been seeing ghosts outside his home in the lead up to the fire, was jailed for two years after pleading guilty to arson.

Mitigating, Nicholas Robinson told the court the offence had been “somewhat out of character” and “does not necessarily reflect the good he has contributed to the lives of others”.

He said his client had been using drugs and drinking at the time to “dilute the conscience” and had “reached such a low point”.

READ MORE: Off-duty firefighter pulls man from Romsey flat fire

He said: “He feels that the time he has spent in custody has been the most valuable in his adult life.

“He understands that what he did cannot be repeated. He wishes the court to take into account his significant mental health at the time.”

The fire was set at around 6am on December 20 in 2022 with McMahon locking his dog in the garden beforehand to make sure it wasn’t hurt.

Judge Forster said it was fortunate that smoke hadn’t entered neighbouring properties.

Addressing the defendant, he said: "Mr Everett, an off-duty firefighter came to your house.

"He insisted that you came from your property, in fact, he pulled you from it when you were reluctant to come."

The judge added said: “The risk of life to those in the other properties is assessed as having been low.

"But there was a risk to those who had to enter the property where the fire had been started.

“Not only do you have complex mental health issues, but your situation has been exacerbated by the taking of drink and drugs.

“I hope things go better for you in the future.”