A 69-YEAR-OLD who set fire to bedding at Sandwell Hospital has avoided spending time behind bars.

Dermot Francis Donnelly, of Wallace Close, Oldbury, was sent to prison for 12 weeks, suspended for 12 months, following the incident on February 26.

Dudley Magistrates Court was told that Donnelly had put the public and staff at risk and his actions had caused the hospital to shut beds.

He must pay compensation of £450.

The following also appeared before the courts between January 12 and 18:

Leah Shirley Sperin, aged 31, of Spiral Close, Blackheath, was discharged conditionally for 12 months for causing £100 worth of damage to a taxi’s glovebox in Halesowen on December 23. She was also sentenced for failing to surrender to custody at Dudley Magistrates Court on January 11, having been released on bail. She must pay compensation of £100, a victim surcharge of £20 and £135 court costs.

Daniel Connor Grashion, aged 18, of Windsor Road, Rowley Regis, was fined £312 for driving without a licence or insurance in Dudley on September 26 and possessing cannabis. He was disqualified from driving for 12 months and must pay a victim surcharge of £30 and £185 court costs.

Victor Augustus Spair, aged 52, of Oakwood Crescent, Dudley, was fined £120 for committing fraud by using a bank card that did not belong to him, with the intention of making a gain of £349.20 for himself, in Dudley on October 21. He must pay compensation of £239.28.

Adrian Bill, aged 40, of St Peter’s Road, Netherton, was discharged conditionally for 12 months for stealing a hanging basket, worth £40, in Netherton on July 7. He must pay £40 compensation, a victim surcharge of £20 and £135 court costs.

Matthew David Saunders, aged 35, of Stourbridge Road, Dudley, was given a nine month community order for stealing meat, worth £24.24, from Aldi, Brierley Hill on January 2. He must pay compensation of £24.24, a victim surcharge of £85 and £100 court costs.

Mandeep Sadhra, aged 39, of Brunswick Gate, Stourbridge, was given a 12 month community order for stealing clothing and jewellery, worth £738.90, from Debenhams, Brierley Hill, on October 13. She must carry out 130 hours unpaid work and pay a £85 victim surcharge and £900 court costs.

Callum James Bates, aged 21, of Crossgate Road, Holly Hall, was given a 12 month community order for driving while disqualified and without insurance, in Dudley on December 31. He was disqualified from driving for 18 months. He must also carry out 40 hours unpaid work and pay a victim surcharge of £85 and £135 court costs.