Napanee arena arsonist handed down sentence

Jay Bradley gets 3 years and 4 months for Lennox Agricultural Community Centre fire

The Lennox Agricultural Society Board is viewing the sentencing of Jay Bradley as an important step toward closure and accountability.

Bradley was arrested November 3, 2023, in connection to the fires that brought down the Lennox Agricultural Memorial Community Centre on York Street, and the fire that that damaged the garage of Carol McKinley, the Lennox Agricultural Society president. He was charged with two counts of arson and criminal harassment.

Justice Geoffrey Griffin explained his decision by noting several key factors in Bradley’s case. Bradley, 50 years old, had no previous criminal record. He noted Bradley was diagnosed with ADHD as a child, he still completed high school, attended college, and became successful in telecommunications. His choice to plead guilty before the trial was seen as a positive action by the court. While in custody, he endured 1,155 hours in lockdown at the Central East Correctional Centre and was assaulted by another inmate.

Due to these circumstances, the judge credited him with an additional 1.5 months served, as well as extra credit of 1.5 days for each day spent in custody before trial. This resulted in a final sentence of 40 more months in prison. Bradley is also required to submit a DNA sample, abide by a 10-year weapon ban, and forfeit a classic car, which will be sold to provide restitution to the victims.

After the sentencing, Carol McKinley spoke with local media, sharing they have four walls and a roof on their garage and look forward to feeling more at ease at home. She went on to say this sentencing is one step forward towards being more comfortable in their home.

When asked if they felt that there was genuine remorse in Bradley's statements last week, Carol's husband George shared he didn't think so. 

Carol then shared with media a statement from the Lennox Agricultural Society Board.

"The land at 170 York Street, which has been a cornerstone of our community for many years, was purchased by the Lennox Agricultural Society in May of 1955. The Community Centre located on this site held deep significance for many and its loss has been felt by those who cherished its role in bringing the Community together.

In the interim, the property has been repurposed as a parking lot,

The Board of Directors is carefully considering all available options and exploring every avenue to determine the best path forward. This is not a decision that has been made lightly and we are committed to moving forward in a deliberate and responsible manner. We ask for the Community’s patience and understanding as we work through this process, ensuring that any future decisions are well-considered and aligned with the interests of the Community as a whole.

We would also like to extend our sincere gratitude to Judge Griffen, the Crown Attorney team, Napanee OPP, the various Fire Departments that provided assistance, the Town of Greater Napanee, Victim Services and all those who have offered their support to the families and the broader Community throughout this difficult time. Thank you for your continued understanding and support. "

Story by Emily Chatwood