Former Kwik Save deputy manager Damian Taylor, 33, of Gainsborough Road, Corby, had a 15-month sentence suspended for two years yesterday after admitting setting fire to the store in New Post Office Square in Corby last year – causing more than £132,000 of damage.

Passing sentence at Northampton Crown Court, Judge Corrie spared him a jail sentence after concerns were raised about Taylor's state of mind. The court heard Taylor suffered from post traumatic stress disorder, depression and risked self harm.

Taylor sobbed throughout proceedings at Northampton Crown Court yesterday but said "thank you" after Judge Corrie made his decision.
Taylor stole £7,000 from a safe before setting fire to a pile of papers in the cash office in an attempt to cover his tracks on September 8.

He said he feared workers would not be compensated adequately and planned to distribute the money to fund any shortfall.

Prosecuting, William Falshaw said Taylor was questioned and his car was searched by police officers who found the money in his boot.

In mitigation, Steven Evans said Taylor suffered from severe depression and post-traumatic stress disorder resulting from experiences during a 60-day prison sentence some years ago in Scotland for driving while disqualified.

He also explained Taylor was the sole carer for his mother who had numerous health problems.

Mr Evans said: "On the face of it he's a man with a good work record. In this case, it appears that he was a pre-meditated author of his own downfall.

"He's clear that the fire-setting is the most serious aspect of this offence. His motivation was not to harm people.

"There is evidence that he has made serious attempts to harm himself in the past."

Taylor was given a three- month sentence for stealing £7,000 from a cash safe at the store and 12 months for arson, both suspended for two years.

He was also given a supervision order for the same period.

Judge Corrie said: "There is no doubt that the theft – a breach of trust – deserves a period of imprisonment of around three-months.

"There is equally no doubt that arson deserves 21 months imprisonment.

"I've then got to consider the circumstances in your favour. I'm satisfied, on balance, that I can suspend matters. I hope that you will be able to receive psychiatric treatment which you are so clearly in need of."