Qld: Molotov cocktail arsonist escapes jail

AAP General News (Australia)
08-24-2007
Qld: Molotov cocktail arsonist escapes jail

A court's heard a jealous Brisbane soldier threw a molotov cocktail into a car because
he was angry about his ex-partner's new boyfriend.

24-year-old NATHAN JOHN BANKS was so upset the mother of his child had become close
friends with another man .. he destroyed the car while it was parked on the man's front
lawn.

BANKS pleaded guilty today in the Brisbane District Court to one count of arson.

The court was told the soldier .. who was based at the Enoggera Army Barracks in Brisbane's
north at the time .. used a yellow oil container filled with petrol to make the molotov
cocktail.

He waited until night before sneaking to the man's house and throwing the explosive
through the driver's side window.

The car immediately caught fire and BANKS headed back to the barracks while the owner
was left to put out the flames.

Police later searched his unit and vehicle where they found clothing containing traces
of petrol and the cap from the yellow oil container.

The court was told he'd had a bad year and tried to commit suicide only months before
the offence.

He was sentenced to two years jail but was released on parole.

He was also ordered to repay four thousand dollars to RACQ insurance for the damage to the car.

AAP RTV cf/pjo/imc/bart

KEYWORD: BANKS (BRISBANE)

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