Jail term cut for sheep costume arson

Jason Whatley, 39, of Fareham, Hampshire, was jailed for five years last month after admitting arson being reckless whether life was endangered after a judge heard his victim, Stuart Mitchell, ran out of the Headingley Taps in Leeds with his outfit in flames as a result.

He was later found to have 12 per cent burns to his body and underwent two skin graft operations. He also had to relinquish his university place.

Yesterday, the case returned to Leeds Crown Court where Whatley's sentence was reduced to four years after Judge Kerry Macgill heard further legal submissions from his counsel, Derek Duffy.

The court heard on the last occasion that Whatley, who was visiting Leeds for a reunion, flicked his lighter at Mr Mitchell's costume, made from cotton wool balls on top of Lycra, as they passed in the crowded pub on October 17 last year.

The clothing caught alight and he fled from the pub in flames in excruciating pain until the flames were extinguished outside.

Mr Duffy told the court there was no malicious intent involved but an "unbelievably stupid act".

"It was intended as a joke which went horrendously wrong with unforeseen consequences."

He said Whatley had no idea the costume made the student vulnerable. He had not been callous in not going to his aid he simply did not know what to do to help him.

Sentencing Whatley last month Judge Macgill criticised him for callously standing by and described that as wicked.

Reviewing the sentence he said he stood by his views but having received further information would reduce the term by one year.

He accepted Whatley did not intend the consequences but must have known the risk.