Michael Smith pleaded guilty to causing damage by fire and possession of incendiary materials.
The Crown sought a six-month jail sentence, while the defence argued for a conditional sentence.
The court, applying the principle of proportionality and considering the offender's moral responsibility, mental health, and substance abuse issues, determined that a conditional sentence was appropriate.
The judge emphasized that a conditional sentence can have significant deterrent and denunciatory effects, and that incarceration is not always rehabilitative.
A 15-month conditional sentence with house arrest and probation was imposed.
