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A middle-aged man has been accused of starting a fire in his deceased father’s home in Isa Town while under the influence of narcotics.
The 46-year-old Bahraini driver allegedly went on a methamphetamine-fuelled bender, damaging the property, now owned by the heirs – his mother and three sisters – in September, the High Criminal Court heard.
“The defendant lives in the Isa Town house that my mother and I used to share with him,” his 37-year-old sister said.
“In 2023, he started a fire in the house and his behaviour forced us to move out.
“He is addicted to drugs, which makes him act hysterically, and he hallucinates that there are people in the house when there aren’t.
“This September, I received a call from the Psychiatric Hospital and I learned that he had burned part of the house again. We went there and saw a fire in his bedroom.”
In the middle of the trial, his mother called the police and informed them that she does not want to press charges and withdrew a complaint lodged against him in her name, as she is one of the owners of the house.
“I never reported my son in the first place, since I am out of the country, but I’ll come back soon,” the 70-year-old Bahraini told authorities, adding that she does not want compensation for damages.
When the Public Prosecution went to the scene to inspect it, matchsticks were reportedly found scattered near the location of the fire, along with a black lighter.
Investigators uncovered a history of intentional fires started by the defendant.
A 44-year-old sister also testified that he committed the act he is accused of twice before.
A psychiatric evaluation stated that, although the defendant misuses drugs, he is still fit to stand trial and is able to answer for his actions.
When questioned by the prosecution, the man admitted to being the only person in the house on the day of the incident. Upon his arrest, he was first sent to the Psychiatric Hospital, but was later transferred to jail.
A Civil Defence report concluded that the fire was man-made, and that two rooms were damaged.
A look at his criminal record shows previous charges and convictions in drug use and arson-related cases.
Judges have set today as the date to issue a verdict in the case.
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