Thomas Cassidy, who has admitted setting fire to more than a dozen cars in Portland two years ago, was sentenced today to eight years in prison and four years probation.

Cassidy, 21, stood before many of his victims in Cumberland County Superior Court and apologized for his behavior on the night he set fires throughout the Portland peninsula that caused an estimated $500,000 in damage. No one was injured.

Several of Cassidy’s relatives spoke on his behalf, saying he had had an abusive father and a very difficult upbringing.

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