A Niles man who tried to burn down an apartment building in 2020 has been sentenced to prison.

46-year-old Askia Ismail-Raheem Singleton pleaded guilty to second degree arson for the December 2020 incident.

It happened in Niles Township and resulted in one family losing all of their belongings.

Singleton refused to leave the holding cell in the Niles courthouse, and his defense attorney said he had been referred twice for mental competency, receiving treatment before being found competent.

According to Leader Publications, while the judge said she hoped he gets the help he needs, the protection of the community is more important. Singleton was sentenced to 50 months to 20 years in prison.