Court rules Masterton church arsonist insane at time

By CathNews New Zealand

July 17th, 2026

(Wikimedia Commons)

A man who lit seven fires in religious buildings, including a Catholic church, in Masterton last year has been found not guilty due to insanity. Source: The Post.

A judge’s finding in the Wellington District Court on July 14 cleared the way for Michael Kane McRae, 45, to be moved from prison to a psychiatric hospital.

McRae set fire to St Patrick’s Catholic Church and half a dozen other structures in February last year, and this was not disputed. The Crown accepted that not guilty by reason of insanity was the only proper verdict.

Judge Barbara Morris said psychiatrists agreed that McRae had a mental disorder, he committed the acts of arson and that he did not understand it was morally wrong.

He has been held in prison since he was arrested in May 2025 and was waiting for a bed to become available in a psychiatric hospital. The insanity finding means he will be moved to hospital, where another report will be prepared.

FULL STORY

Masterton church arsonist was insane when he lit fires, court rules (The Post – subscription required)