Psychological report ordered for city arsonist

A court has ordered a psychological report for an architecture student who pleaded guilty to the arson of a Whangarei business because of concerns about changes in his behaviour.
Jordan Samuel Pearce, 19, of Morningside, appeared for sentencing in the Whangarei District Court yesterday after he admitted causing more than $750,000 of damage to Arthur's Emporium just before Christmas.
Defence lawyer Lucy Postlewaight requested a psychological report, saying a probation officer who spoke to Pearce raised the "red flag" after seeing a change in behaviour.
She said Pearce was a good academic student with great potential but his behaviour in the last few months and his inability to remain at an address were concerning.
The psychological report would provide an insight into a change of behaviour and whether he had mental health issues, she submitted.
Crown prosecutor David Stevens said it was up to the court to decide whether sentencing should proceed.
Judge Duncan Harvey said the matter was adjourned on May 12 because Pearce did not have a suitable home address.
He said Judge John McDonald had earlier indicated that if Pearce did not get a home detention report at his next court appearance, he would go to prison.
The Corrections Department informed Judge Harvey that Pearce's parents were prepared to accommodate him but he refused to go home.
The Judge said it would be irresponsible for him to ignore concerns raised by an experienced probation's officer about Pearce's behaviour.
However, he stressed that the adjournment would be final.
Speaking directly to Pearce, Judge Harvey said: "You need to understand something very clearly.
"This court won't tolerate you moving from house to house."
He bailed Pearce to a Kauri address where he would be on a curfew from 7pm to 7am.
He will be sentenced on August 17.
Seven appliances and six support vehicles fought the Whangarei blaze.
It caused an estimated $500,000 damage to stock and about $250,000 in repairs to the building.