Wednesday, January 27th 2010

By jeff green

JEFF GREEN AND LILY PANAMSKY
EXECUTIVE EDITOR AND ASSISTANT NEWS EDITOR

Following a Nov. 27, 2009 guilty plea, Brandon Hall arsonist Emerson Pardoe has been sentenced to 2 years less one day in a provincial institution, with 3 years of probation following in term.

The sentence, which occurred on Tues. January 26, was exactly what the Crown asked for, and 6 months more than what the Defence requested. In the judge’s reading of the pre-sentencing report, he described it as “positive,” but also stated, “I suspect why he did this will remain a mystery, to us and [Emerson Pardoe] as well.”

Pardoe pleaded guilty to one count of Arson Endangering Human Life for lighting a fire in the elevator of Brandon Hall on Oct. 18, 2008.

Gord Arbeau, associate director of public relations at McMaster University, stated on behalf of the University: “We’re thankful that this unfortunate incident has come to a conclusion and we’re able now to move forward and put this in the past.”
The Crown suggested a 2-year sentence based on previous similar cases that involved different arsonists. One of the precedent setting cases used for Pardoe’s sentence concerned a separate elevator fire.

Damage was totaled at $5.2 million according to Tuesday’s victim impact statement from McMaster University—$2 million higher than originally reported to the Court.

“[The victim impact statement was] an opportunity for us to make sure the Court understood the widespread impact, especially on students, of the fire,” said Arbeau, “And it was an appropriate time for us to just remind the Court that the actions had significant consequences.”

$3 million of the total $5.2 million was in structural damage and $2.2 million was in costs associated with the relocation of students.

On his way into the courtroom, Pardoe’s father called him back, gave him a hug and said, “I love you Emerson.”
The judge described Pardoe as a “youthful first offender,” while his psych report found that the arson act was “out of character,” and that Pardoe “possessed a strong will to make amends.”

Tags: Brandon Hall Arsonist, Emerson Pardoe, fire, McMaster