Drunk man tries to ignite eight hotel fires in Kalgoorlie
A “blackout drunk” Kalgoorlie-Boulder man who was also high on drugs, faced court recently charged with setting multiple fires around the Hannans Hotel precinct in July last year.
When asked the reason for his transgression, Matthew Glenn Skipper was unable to tell the Kalgoorlie District Court why he did what he did.
The 37-year-old Skipper has been given one further chance to explain his actions and how he has been able to turn his life around.
Skipper was drinking at Hannans Hotel with his brother before being asked to leave.
Around midnight, he lit and attempted to light eight fires with a cigarette lighter while people slept in the hotel.
The first attempt was a failed on to light up a large pump spray bottle in the back of a parked truck. Fortunately, the truck did not ignite.
He attempted to set another car alight before turning his attention to an internal storeroom, where fire destroyed its contents.
The storeroom was close by to sleeping guests.
Skipper wasn’t done just yet. He then entered the laundry and set four ignition points on fire. The fire failed to spread, but he also attempted to start a bin fire before fleeing the scene.
Hotel guests were escorted out of the venue by emergency services.
His lawyer argued Skipper was a changed man since July last year when the incident occurred.
During the hearing, the judge expressed scepticism about the defence lawyer's contention that Skipper has reformed his ways. The judge indicated that it was challenging to validate this claim when Skipper had not attended the specific sessions that would offer him the chance to prove his commitment to change. These sessions are a critical component of the pre-sentence order under consideration, which would require Skipper's participation in programs and ongoing supervision.
Skipper has been provided a final opportunity to qualify for a pre-sentence order while stricter bail conditions have been imposed upon him. Failure to comply may result in a stringent penalty, as stated by the presiding judge.
Skipper has been offered a chance to attend court-mandated sessions, potentially making him eligible for a pre-sentence order. This order would require Skipper to participate in various programs and be under supervision for a designated period as the judge monitors his rehabilitation efforts. Compliance could pave the way for a reduced sentence.
The judge has made it clear that non-compliance would lead to enforcement of the original, more severe penalty. The State prosecutor emphasised the seriousness of the offences, pointing out they jeopardised lives and incited a "general sense of panic" within the community. The prosecution also noted that Skipper had previously failed to demonstrate a commitment to reforming his life, advocating for an immediate jail sentence as the only appropriate action.
Skipper is scheduled to return to court on Tuesday. He has been granted bail, although under more stringent conditions than those applied before his Monday court appearance.
Jonathan Jackson, 6th September 2023
