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

Southampton Crown Court heard a blaze started by Robert McMahon was most likely set by the defendant lighting pieces of paper in several locations in his ground-floor flat.

The court heard how off-duty firefighter James Everett - who has been commended for saving McMahon's life - was on his way home when he heard a smoke alarm sounding.

He spotted smoke coming from the window vents and started banging on the door.

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

But when 54-year-old McMahon opened the door he was “not appearing to realise the seriousness of the situation”, prosecutor Edward Warren told the court.

The emergency worker called 999 and pulled McMahon to safety with smoke rising to waist height in the building in Mercer Way, Romsey.

He then alerted the upstairs flat where residents were unaware of the smoke and fire below.

Firefighters wearing breathing apparatus extinguished the blaze. The fire service previously said the blaze was started by McMahon smoking in bed.

But evidence later suggested a fire had been started in the hallway and by the back door.

Mr Warren added that fire alarms had been removed with the most likely cause of the fire being set ablaze.

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McMahon was taken to hospital in Southampton and later arrested.

He admitted to deliberately setting a fire in the flat and said he had been drinking and taking heroin.

The prosecutor said there had been “significant damage” to the bed and bedding.

He added the risk to McMahon had been high and that if the firefighter hadn’t intervened, “[it’s] quite possible that something would have happened to him”.

McMahon appeared at court on Tuesday after pleading guilty to arson.

Mitigating, Laura Deuxberry said a doctor’s report suggested he suffers from borderline personality disorder and had been hallucinating at the time.

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The doctor added that the offence was linked to psychosis, though the judge decided he needed more information before he could sentence him.

The case was adjourned until April 24.

Crews from Redbridge and St Mary’s attended the incident with Mr Everett later being nominated for a Chief Fire Officer’s commendation.

Group manager at the fire service Dave Clements said: “James’ actions undoubtedly saved this man’s life and prevented what could have been a very serious fire incident from escalating.

“He didn’t pause for a second to think about the risks to himself and his bravery and dedication deserve to be recognised.

“I’d like to take this opportunity to thank James for what he did and also remind people that if you hear a smoke alarm sounding, please dial 999.”