Jailed Bushfire Lighter Appeals

Sydney Morning Herald

Wednesday April 1, 1987

A man was released on bail yesterday after lodging an appeal against a four-month jail sentence for starting a bushfire at Emu Plains.

Warren Michael Pieri, 18, an apprentice carpenter and joiner, of Kyre Crescent, Emu Plains, had appeared in Penrith Local Court for sentence after being convicted earlier this year of setting fire to Crown land on January 17. He pleaded guilty.

A probation and parole officer, Mr Joseph Lopez, said Pieri had started the fire after coming under considerable stress at work where he had been abused by older workmates.

The magistrate, Mr John Hiatt, said Pieri had deliberately disregarded life and property. He had to impose a penalty that would discourage others from lighting bushfires, he said, and sentenced Pieri to four months' jail with hard labour.

Mr Dooley lodged an appeal and Pieri was released on a $1,000 surety to appear in the District Court.