Drunk admits torching car and attacking bar manager

A South Otago man has admitted setting fire to one car and trying to burn eight others and the local publican after being thrown out of a bar in June because he was drunk.

Boyd Edward Cuttance, a 43-year-old nursery worker, was refused entry to the Lake Waihola Cafe and Bar about 8pm on June 18 when his level of intoxication attracted the bar manager's attention.

After an altercation, Cuttance was forcibly removed to the carpark. He took a container of petrol from his car and poured the fuel over eight vehicles before setting fire to the last, a Toyota Corona.

He then drove out of the carpark and stopped about 200m away.

Bar manager Kevin Reid put out the blaze with a fire extinguisher and then challenged Cuttance, who had returned with a petrol container in each hand.

Cuttance ran from the scene, followed by Mr Reid and others. At one stage he put both petrol containers in one hand and sloshed petrol at Mr Reid, whose clothing was splattered with the fuel.

Cuttance began flicking a cigarette lighter, trying to ignite the petrol.

He was tackled to the ground but continued flicking the lighter.

Members of the public and an off-duty police officer restrained Cuttance until other police arrived. Nobody was injured

In the Dunedin District Court on Wednesday, Cuttance pleaded guilty to 10 charges - one of arson, eight of attempted arson and one of assaulting Mr Reid. Crown counsel Robin Bates said no evidence was being offered on an 11th count, a charge alleging a drink-driving offence.

On the 10 charges admitted, Cuttance was convicted and remanded on bail for sentence on November 28. He was discharged on the drink-driving allegation.

- Otago Daily Times