British Legion member in hospital after trying to set fire to club

Aug 5 2009 by Chloe Griffiths, Birkenhead News

A LONG-STANDING British Legion member who tried to set fire to his Wirral club was detained in hospital.

Peter Daly, 56, doused his car in petrol and tried to set it alight after driving it into the British Legion building on Pensby Road, Heswall.

David Evans, prosecuting, told how the Audi began to smoke, but the building was saved by cleaners who alerted the emergency services.

Daly, of Bentway, Heswall, was arrested as he walked away from the building.

He later admitted criminal damage and attempting to commit arson being reckless to whether property is damaged.

But Daly was spared prison after Liverpool Crown Court heard he had been a dedicated member of the legion for many years.

John Weate, defending, said: "Mr Daly is a man of hitherto character that society would and should be proud of.