The 52-year-old man who set fire to his former girlfriend's mother's home because she refused to have sex with him on March 31, 1997, has been given a suspended sentence and ordered to do community service.
Four months after being convicted, David Adolphus Walton returned to No. 3 Supreme Court yesterday and received a three year suspended sentence for burning the home of Vernese Farmer with intent to damage or destroy it.
Over the next three years he must complete 240 hours of community service.
Walton of Prospect, St. James, was acquitted of assaulting his now former girlfriend Glenda Farmer, causing her actual body harm.
He was sentenced by Mr. Justice Lionel Greenidge after psychological and psychiatric reports ordered in March were completed.
A probation report portrayed Walton as a man who had challenging times with relationships.
In 1974 Walton was sentenced to hang for the October 17, 1974 murder of Cynthia Allder.
That was commuted to life in prison, but he was released for good behaviour.
The report also described Walton as being quiet, peaceful, responsible, generous, hardworking, worthwhile, and as one who worked excessively.
It added that he became involved with his brother's wife, Cheryl Walton, fathered two children from her, and played an integral role in their upbringing. He undertook much of the responsibility of raising his children because their mother had a mental illness.
At the time, Mr Justice Greenidge expressed concern over Walton's relationships with women, which he said seemed to prove challenging.
As a result sentencing was postponed pending the completion of psychological and psychiatric reports.
With the reports in hand, the judge told Walton yesterday he regarded what happened as being very unfortunate.
"In nearly eight years on the bench this case has caused me anxiety," he said before sentencing. The case was prosecuted by Principal Crown Counsel Manila Renee, while Andrew Pilgrim represented Walton. |