A West Australian father has been sentenced to eight years in prison for setting fire to his home while four young children were inside, including an 18-month-old. The incident occurred last April in Albany, where the father, Verdon Garlett, breached protective bail conditions and ignited petrol in a fit of rage after accusing his partner of infidelity.
Upon the arrival of police, they found their path blocked by flames. Garlett had been under the influence of methamphetamine. As officers attempted to intervene, he threatened his partner, who was holding one of their children, and doused her with petrol. In a dramatic turn, when police breached the door, Garlett lit the fire, which quickly spread throughout the house.
The situation escalated with the elderly grandmother needing to escape as police called for backup amid the chaos. Officers quickly worked to subdue Garlett while searching for the children. A commendation from Judge Alan Troy highlighted the bravery of the police, particularly praising an auxiliary officer who, amid thick smoke, managed to save a two-year-old found hiding under blankets.
Garlett has been ordered to serve a minimum of six years before becoming eligible for parole. The judge described the police officers involved as “absolute heroes” for their courageous actions during the life-threatening emergency. Support resources are available for those affected by domestic violence through the National Sexual Assault, Domestic and Family Violence Counselling Service at 1800RESPECT.