Irby pleads in arson case

SANDPOINT — A Louisiana man accused of setting a fire that damaged a Sandpoint motel last year pleaded guilty to a reduced charge of felony vandalism, according to court documents.

David Holden Irby entered the plea on Monday in 1st District Court, records show.

Irby, a 28-year-old from Bastrop, La., was charged with first-degree arson in connection with the Oct. 8, 2009, fire at the Quality Inn on North Fifth Avenue. There were no injuries, although the fire damaged an upstairs restroom and forced the business to be evacuated. Irby allegedly set fire to a paper towel dispenser.

Irby, who is developmentally disabled, has undergone several mental health evaluations since his arrest and has a history of starting fires, according to court documents.

Irby was staying at the motel with his father when he set the fire in the men’s restroom.

Irby’s plea heads of a district court trial that was set for next month. He’s scheduled to be sentenced on Oct. 4.

A felony vandalism conviction in Idaho can result in a prison sentence of one to five years and a $1,000 fine.

Chief Public Defender Isabella Robertson said she is working to have Irby placed in a secure, therapeutic group home, court documents indicate.