Man who 'tried to set himself alight' at garage fined £300

29-year-old urged to continue accepting help

*This story contains information which some readers may find distressing.

A man who tried to set himself alight on a garage forecourt has been fined £300 and urged to continue accepting help.

Christopher Davies, of no fixed address, was sentenced at Douglas Courthouse today after admitting provoking behaviour and making threats to damage property. (8 December).

Police arrested the 29-year-old on 28 November after being called to the EVF garage, on Peel Road in Douglas, just before 9pm.

A shop assistant had seen Davies on the forecourt in ‘significant distress’ – he was attempting to pour fuel on himself, his clothes were wet and he had a lighter.

Describing the situation as ‘difficult by any stretch of the imagination’ the prosecutor told the court there were ‘compelling concerns’ for Davies’ welfare.

Davies’ advocate told the court his client had struggled with his mental health for a number of years and said whilst he had intended to harm himself he hadn’t wanted to ‘take anyone with him’.

“You’re dealing with a man with significant mental health difficulties,” he added: “It’s a sad, sad case of a man who has not got any better.”

Davies also admitted making threats to cause damage to property at Manannan Court on 7 December during the court appearance.

Sentencing him for both offences Magistrates said it was a ‘very difficult case’ to penalise adding that, in that moment, he’d been a danger to himself and members of the public.

Fining him they urged him to continue accepting support telling him: “Mr Davies you obviously need help – please keep on with getting that help.”  

If you’ve been affected by any of the issues in this story there are details of local organisations that provide advice and support HERE.