In a shocking turn of events, golf pro Francis McGuirk has been handed a suspended sentence for his reckless and spiteful actions at his Sandwich, Kent property in June last year. The 50-year-old intentionally set fire to his own home, leaving minor damages, in a twisted attempt to exact revenge on his estranged wife.
According to prosecutor Caroline Knight, McGuirk snuck into the empty house, locked the doors, and tried to start a fire using cooking oil, which didn’t take. Undeterred, he then used lighter fluid to set fire to the living room cushions. His sinister plan was only thwarted thanks to the quick thinking of his neighbors, who called emergency services just in time.
What drove McGuirk to such a dangerous and destructive act? In his own words, he “didn’t want the b***h to have everything.” A chilling revelation that exposes the depth of his spite and anger.
The judge, however, took a nuanced approach, considering McGuirk’s mental health and the fact that he was inside his own home when he set the fire. While his actions were undoubtedly driven by malice, the court acknowledged that McGuirk’s mental state played a role in his decision-making.
As a result, McGuirk received a 20-month suspended sentence, ordered to pay £13,555 in costs, and complete 200 hours of community service, among other conditions. A five-year restraining order was also imposed, forbidding him from contacting his estranged wife, with whom he is yet to finalize his divorce.
The judge’s warning was clear: if McGuirk commits any offense in the next two years, he will face the full force of the law and likely end up behind bars. A stern reminder that revenge may seem sweet, but it can also come with devastating consequences.
