A young teenager’s night turned tragic when an arson attack in Sydney claimed his life. In April 1998, 13-year-old Arthur Haines was asleep at a friend’s house before a visit to the Royal Easter Show. Gregory John Walker, angry over a neighborhood dispute, threw a molotov cocktail into the home’s kitchen. "The results were catastrophic," said Justice Hament Dhanji in NSW Supreme Court. The fire quickly spread, trapping Arthur on the third floor. He jumped from a window and suffered burns on 65% of his body. Arthur died in hospital 11 weeks later. Walker, 58, faced manslaughter charges and was sentenced to a maximum of 10 years and 9 months. The court heard Walker had shown "callous disregard for the enormity of what occurred." When confronted by a neighbor, he threatened, "If you think that was a big fire, wait until you see my next one." However, he later expressed remorse, telling a witness in 2014 he "wouldn't have gone through with it" if he knew children were inside. Police arrested Walker in 2020 after a $1 million reward for information. Despite a long criminal history and being on parole at the time, Walker has tried to change his life, even starting a youth nonprofit. Judge Dhanji said, "There is an element of him attempting to make good on his past wrongs." Walker only admitted to killing Arthur unlawfully in October before a murder trial. Arthur’s mother, Julie Szabo, who kept her son’s memory alive for 27 years, was present during sentencing. She recalled, "It was going to be the first night he had not slept under the same roof as me... I gave him the biggest hug, we both said we loved each other, I didn’t know at the time it would be one of our last hugs." Judge Dhanji acknowledged the pain but said, "No sentence I impose can right the wrong that has been done." Walker can apply for parole starting February 2029. For support in Australia, call 13YARN, Lifeline, Mensline, or Beyond Blue.