A patient with a psychiatric history set light to a mattress in his room on a ward. Colin Rivis, 62, was a patient at Highbury Hospital, Bulwell, when he caused more than £5,000 damage when he started the fire.
Nottingham Crown Court heard he used matches from another patient, who he did not name, and dropped them on his mattress cover on October 12, 2020. He was put on that ward after he was getting too close to other patients faces, and for his own safeguarding.
He started the fire after patients were allowed into a courtyard to have a cigarette. The patients could use a lighter which was returned to a box. Rivis then visited his room and the fire alarms activated.
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His mood was described as "elated". Smoke was coming from his bedroom. His behaviour became erratic and he was lashing out at other patients. Up to 15 patients were on the ward at the time as well as staff. The fire brigade arrived to put out the fire.
Rivis was medicated with an anti-psychotic drug and mood stabiliser that day. He was prosecuted for arson, which he admitted, after a previous fire starting incident.
A doctor gave evidence before Rivis was sentenced and said he is a caring and friendly individual. When he becomes acutely unwell, the risks relating to fire starting are elevated. Recorder Michael Auty QC made a hospital order with a restriction without limit of time.
