Pocono News Section

Woman Gets Probation for Setting Her House on Fire

Woman Gets Probation for Setting Her House on Fire - Wednesday, March 10, 2010 at 4:45PM EST

Reported by: Eric Deabill
Wednesday, Mar 10, 2010 @ 05:45pm EST
TUNKHANNOCK, WYOMING COUNTY - A Wyoming County woman who set her own house on fire will not go to prison. Shirley Ann Bryd of Nicholson learned her fate Wednesday morning in Tunkhannock.

Bryd was sentenced to 12 months probation. Prosecutors say her blood alcohol content was nearly four times the legal limit when she set the blaze in August 2008.

"This whole crime occurred at a time when she was going through serious marital difficulties and I think things just built up," defense attorney Paul Ackourey said.

After the setting the blaze, police say Byrd stayed in the house. Neighbors had to pull her to safety.

District Attorney Jeff Mitchell says he's okay with the probationary sentence.

"This is a different kind of case. She had severe mental health issues as well as drug and alcohol isuses," Mitchell said. "We feel this was, in some degree, a suicide attempt."

At first, state police also charged Byrd with making false insurance claims after $100,000 was paid out to her.

"The claims that it was arson for insurance were dismissed. She is currently having her house re-built," Ackourey said.

Defense attorney Paul Ackourey says Byrd is trying to turn her life around by going to rehab and counseling.

"I've never had a client more remorseful for what has happened. She loves her neighbors. She loves her neighborhood," Ackourey said.

Byrd had no prior criminal history. That factored into her getting probation. She's also been ordered to stay away from alcohol.