WA father jailed for setting house alight while young children were inside

A West Australian father who set fire to his home while young children were inside has been jailed for eight years.

A judge today commended the bravery of police officers who risked their lives to save the children.

When police arrived at the Albany home last April, they had no idea what they were about to face.

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Flames blocked their path into the property where four kids, the youngest just 18 months old, were inside.

Verdon Garlett had gone to his home, which was in breach of protective bail conditions, while under the influence of meth.

The 30-year-old accused his partner of infidelity and, as police approached, started splashing petrol.

Some of it landed on the mother as she held a young toddler.

"I'm killing you tonight, dog," he yelled at her.

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When police kicked in the door, Garlett used a cigarette lighter to ignite the fire, which spread rapidly.

Garlett's elderly grandmother also had to flee.

Police called for back up as screams rang out.

The offender was tackled to the ground by some officers, as others desperately searched inside for more children.

Today, Judge Alan Troy commended police, calling them absolute heroes.

He said if one auxiliary officer hadn't gone through thick smoke and found a two-year-old hiding under blankets, she could have easily died.

Garlett will have to serve six years before he's eligible for parole.

Support is available from the National Sexual Assault, Domestic and Family Violence Counselling Service at 1800RESPECT (1800 737 732).

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