Martin Ferrier, left, and brother Darren
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TWO brothers, one with a 'deep-seated, psychological reason' for damaging cars, went on a 'wanton' spree of damaging and setting fire to vehicles in streets around Landore in Swansea.
Martin and Darren Ferrier were arrested after targeting four cars, three of which they set alight, on January 30 this year.
Swansea Crown Court was told one of the cars they targeted, a Suzuki Swift, had only be brought home by its new owner the day before, having paid more than £10,000 for it.
Prosecuting, Dyfed Thomas told the court: "It was wanton and random, or if there was a motive that has not been disclosed for whatever reason. We are all at a loss to give any real motive".
The court heard police had been called to a car fire near Field Street, Landore, in the early hours, after a witness had seen one of the brothers smash a window and throw something alight into the vehicle.
The same evening a Ford Mondeo had also been damaged in Field Street, and another vehicle, a Vauxhall Zafira, which had been left by its owner in Byng Street after breaking down, was also damaged by fire.
A fourth vehicle, a Ford Fiesta, was also targeted in Wern Road, after its owner had visited the area to stay overnight in his sister's house.
Both brothers were arrested at the scene sometime around 3am, and Martin Ferrier was found to have a lighter on him. Glass from the damaged vehicles was later found on their clothing.
The pair pleaded guilty to three arson charges, and a single count of criminal damage.
The owner of one of the vehicles told the court in a victim impact statement that she feared for her safety because of the proximity of where the brothers had lived.
The court also heard that Martin Ferrier in particular, had previous convictions 'in relation to cars and road traffic matters', including vehicle theft, driving whilst disqualified, without insurance, and under the influence of alcohol. He also had a conviction for throwing a brick through the window of a car in Gwent Road in Townhill.
Mitigating, Jon Tarrant said: "There is no evidence of any lengthy pre-meditation. They have gone out with a purpose of that there is no doubt, but there was no targeting.
"There is a strange link with vehicular crime, and there are family issues with regards to the break-up of past relationship. It is evident there are thinking deficits".
Dean Pulling, for 30-year-old Darren Ferrier, added: "These are acts of wanton vandalism, and I agree they are senseless, mindless and inexcusable.
"But no accelerants were used. The windows were broken and a naked flame thrown onto the upholstery.
"It was no act of revenge, or was it committed against a property that could be occupied, but unattended cars in the dead of night, although I accept there could have been petrol in the cars and caused explosions. They were extinguished before emergency services got there.
"It was unsophisticated. They came back to the scene when police were there. It was shambolic. His remorse and contrition are significant and genuine".
Sentencing, Paul Thomas QC said: "These vehicles had petrol in them and some were parked in streets next to pavements just five years in front of houses where people were asleep.
"You have never, either of you, revealed why you did it. It has not been said there was anything other than deep-seated vandalism.
"Martin Ferrier, you seem to have a deep-seated psychological reason you need to do damage to cars. It may be deep-seated, but it may be jealousy. You are a thorough-going nuisance. You seem committed to spending your time at liberty causing offences".
Martin Ferrier, who the court was also told lived at Ceri Road in Townhill, was jailed for 12 months for the three arson charges, and two months for the criminal damage, to be served concurrently.
Darren Ferrier, whose alternative address was given as Emlyn Road, Mayhill, was sentenced to six months for the arson charges, and two for criminal damage, also to run concurrently.
Read more at http://www.southwales-eveningpost.co.uk/brothers-went-on-arson-car-spree-in-landore/story-29773953-detail/story.html#8osipzwxPp2Rw1RU.99
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