WATCH ABOVE: A serial arsonist was handed a 12-year sentence after a string of fires in Wetaskiwin. Fletcher Kent has more.
EDMONTON — A Wetaskiwin judge handed down a 12-year sentence Tuesday to a man he called “a threat to the community.”
In March, serial arsonist Peter Terrence Jones pleaded guilty to 10 counts of arson, four counts of break and enter, nine counts of possessing stolen property, and one count of theft.
The 29-year-old native of Toronto was arrested in November 2014, after a 10-month-long arson spree caused more than $5 million dollars in damage.
He had previously spent four years in prison for burning down two Wetaskiwin churches, after he was unable to find money in them to steal.
“Jones has an impressive record of criminal convictions for a man of 29 years,” wrote Judge Bart Rosborough. “Convictions commence in May of 1999 and continue, unabated, to date.”
Before Tuesday’s sentence, Jones had been convicted on 42 charges, and had been sentenced to a total of 15 years in prison.
Now, another 24 convictions will be added to his criminal record.
Jones’ wife was also in court Tuesday. Ashley Winsor was there to see her husband’s sentencing, and pick up divorce papers.
“I don’t know how to express how sorry I am for what he’s done,” said Winsor. “I wish I could go back in time and report my suspicions, but it’s too late for that.”
She was with Jones when he was convicted six years ago, and says her family tried to help him.
“We opened our doors for him,” said Ashley’s father, Ches Winsor. “We helped him out as much as we could. We feel betrayed.”
The Winsors say Jones needs help, and Judge Rosborough agrees with them.
“Jones represents a serious and continuing risk to the safety of the community.”
Tuesday’s conviction states Jones must serve at least half of his sentence before he’s eligible for parole.
Jones was out on parole when this crime spree began in February 2014.
On Feb. 22, 2014, Jones set fire to a tractor trailer in an industrial yard after he stole a CB radio. RCMP found the radio at Jones’ home following his arrest.
Two months later, Jones broke into a welding shop. He stole a three litre bottle of whiskey and used a lighter he found to light some papers on fire, burning down the building.
In August 2014, two CP railcars were set ablaze in the Wetaskiwin railyard. Jones admitted he entered an unlocked car and set a tarp on fire. He also stole several CP scanners.
Almost two weeks later, Jones set fire to four RVs at a dealership. He later confessed to being drunk and using fence-cutters to break into the compound, where he then used a barbeque lighter to start a fire in a trailer.
In early October 2014, Jones broke into the Wetaskiwin Airport Hangar, where he searched all planes for items to steal. Court documents reveal he became worried about leaving evidence behind, and used matches from a safety kit to set a plane on fire.
READ MORE: Wetaskiwin aircraft hangar destroyed by fire
In late November 2014, Jones says he left his home after arguing with his wife. He bought beer at a local liquor store before breaking into a nearby concession hall and setting it on fire.
Two days later, he was taken into custody by RCMP for lighting a woodworking shop on fire. Jones says he targeted the business because he previously applied for a job there, but didn’t feel he was taken seriously.
Police were able to track his footprints from the shop back to his home.
Jones subsequently confessed to the series of arsons.
With files from Fletcher Kent, Global News
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