Mentally impaired Hamilton mother sentenced after setting fire that endangered toddlers
Desiree Hirawani, a 21-year-old with mental health and addiction issues, was sentenced to prison for igniting a fire in a laundry and fleeing, leaving two toddlers inside.
In Hamilton, 21-year-old Desiree Hirawani, described as mentally compromised and battling methamphetamine addiction, set fire to a laundry by dousing the floor with petrol and then fled, leaving two toddlers inside the home. The children were rescued only after Hirawani returned from a night out shortly after the fire started. At sentencing, Judge Glen Marshall expressed reluctance to imprison her, citing her diminished intellectual capacity and the absence of suitable treatment options, yet concluded that incarceration was the only way to secure structured rehabilitation.
Defence lawyer Nadine Baier highlighted Hirawani's lack of criminal history, low IQ, and complex background, seeking a substantial discount on the sentence. Crown prosecutor James Lewis proposed a 50-55% discount, while the judge noted that Hirawani had been rejected by Odyssey House and had no other appointments. Ultimately, the judge ordered prison time, hoping probation could arrange residential rehab.
Why it matters
The case highlights challenges in sentencing mentally vulnerable offenders and the limited availability of treatment services.
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