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Hanover firestarter screams in court

Posted at 3:05 PM, Dec 02, 2013
and last updated 2013-12-02 17:23:06-05

MECHANICSVILLE, Va. (WTVR) - The Hanover teenager who faces 40 years in prison for setting fires in the King’s Charter subdivision entered court screaming and yelling Monday.

Jacob Spiro, 18, could be heard as deputies led him into court from a holding cell. Spiro's lawyer said the teenager has been under a doctor's care for extreme anxiety. He said Spiro's condition has worsened as today's sentencing date due near.

Spiro, who was not sentenced as a result of the outburst, was charged with contempt of court. In addition to charging Spiro with contempt, the judge appointed an independent doctor to examine Spiro to determine if he is fit to be sentenced.

That decision is expected to come during a Feb. 10 hearing.

In July, Spiro pleaded guilty to three felony arson charges in connection to fires set last year in the King’s Charter subdivision.

No one was seriously injured in the fires, but one caused significant damage to the neighborhood’s pool and clubhouse.