Danny Burrows appeared before Judge Anita Ashley for sentencing on his December 2022 conviction on two of the three counts of Arson he was charged with. Defense Attorney Mark Plants made a request for a new trial on the premise of inconsistent verdicts from the jury. His request was argued by Prosecuting Attorney Nigel Jeffries and denied by Judge Anita Ashley stating that there was sufficient evidence to find him guilty of two of the three counts.
Attorney Plants then turned his focus to the sentencing saying that even though Burrows was convicted of very serious crimes, he had only been involved in minor crimes over the past years, and it had been 30 years since his last felony convictionT
Prosecuting Attorney Jeffries argued that by a definition of Sir William Blackstone, in his commentary of Law, said, ARSON, is the malicious and willful burning of the house or outhouses of another man. This is an offense of very great malignity, and much more pernicious to the public than simple theft: because, first, it is an offense against that right, of habitation, which is acquired by the law of nature as well as by the laws of society; next, because of the terror and confusion that necessarily attends it; and, lastly, because in simple theft the thing stolen only changes its master, but still remains in esse [in being] for the benefit of the public, whereas by burning the very substance is absolutely destroyed. It is also frequently more destructive than murder itself, of which too it is often the cause: since murder, atrocious as it is, seldom extends beyond the felonious act designed; whereas fire too frequently involves in the common calamity persons unknown to the incendiary, and not intended to be hurt by him, and friends as well as enemies.
Jeffries then requested that Judge Ashley sentence Danny Burrows to the maximum amount allowed of 20 years on each charge and run them consecutive.
The Defendant had nothing to say for himself prior to Judge Ashley handing down her sentence.
On the charges of two counts of Arson Burrows was sentenced to 20 years on each count to run consecutive with a credit of 281 days served. He was informed of his right to appeal. As for restitution, victim Connie Toppings had requested restitution in the amount of $100,000, but the court was informed that home insurance had covered $75,000. The restitution will be assigned at a later date when the victim can be present.
