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The jury found that Li intentionally set fire to Montgomery’s belongings, said Baird. “I am satisfied, on all the evidence, that he did this to intimidate Mr. Montgomery, or to force him off the property or both. The fire seriously destroyed Mr. Montgomery’s personal property … The garage and the duplex were also damaged.”

Setting the fire was a premeditated act, the judge said. Li used gasoline as an accelerant and searched the internet for information about the safe transportation of gasoline in plastic containers. He sent Brett a text saying they needed to talk because “someone threatened to burn the house.”

About 10:33 a.m., Li arrived at Victoria airport. As he passed through security, he asked for help. He was in pain from burns to his hands, neck and face. He told airport security that he had been burned in a house fire and he had been lucky to escape with his life. The woman who helped Li was concerned that he hadn’t called 911 and that there might be a tenant in the burning building.

Baird noted that the house is in a densely populated residential area. Although Li set the fire after Montgomery and his guests had left the building, Brett was home in her part of the duplex.

The fire created a serious risk of other property damage and loss of life, said Baird.

“The firefighters who attended the scene were exposed to peril. There is no doubt at all the accused has committed a very serious criminal office.”

Outside court, Brett said she’s relieved it’s all finally over. “It’s been a real nightmare.”

She said when the fire broke out, a “big mushroom cloud came over me.” She ran to Li’s side of the duplex and banged on the window to alert the tenants, then called 911.

Li’s side of the duplex is now owned by a couple she has known for years, she said. “It’s nice to see it back in loving arms again.”

She said she’s happy to see an end to the “pandemonium” — the disputes and police calls — caused by Li’s tenants in the months leading up to the fire.

“Peace has been restored,” said Brett. “And I’m staying.”

It’s expected Li will serve his sentence in a Quebec prison so he can be close to his family in Montreal.