Gary Flynn found guilty of setting apartment complex fire

Gary Flynn was found guilty Thursday of arson with disregard for human life, for setting a fire at the Hillview Terrace apartment complex last year.

Flynn, 56, was charged after a fire broke out at his St. John's apartment in November.

Provincial court judge Michael Madden determined that Flynn, who had denied setting the fires, was responsible of committing a crime.

"I do not believe anyone other than Mr. Flynn set the fires," Madden said.

In addition to the charge of arson with disregard for human life, Flynn was also found guilty of breaching two probation orders.

Had been drinking, taking medication

Flynn, who had been drinking and ingested anti-anxiety medication the day of the fires, claimed someone else had broken into his apartment and deliberately set fires in his closet and bedroom.

Madden noted that water in Flynn's apartment was shut off and three fuses from smoke detectors were removed.

Officers with the Royal Newfoundland Constabulary were on the scene and were able to put out the fires before it spread any further.

On the stand, Flynn said he was angry at social services officials because of his living situation, although he continued to deny ever deliberately setting the fires.

Flynn will have a sentencing hearing on May 28.