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A Vernon man accused of burning down a house in Coldstream appeared in court today as lawyers argued over how much time he should spend behind bars for criminally harassing his ex-wife.

Matthew Eric Mason, 39, sat in the dock of the Vernon Supreme Courtroom dressed in red prison garb as Crown prosecutor Matt Blow argued he should get six months jail for a series of harassing emails he sent to his ex-wife, her colleagues, the media, and many other people.

Following a trial, Mason was convicted in December 2022 of criminal harassment and making harassing communication for sending the emails in November 2021.

Two months after the emails were sent, Mason was arrested and charged with arson with disregard for human life after he allegedly burnt down a house in Hawthorne Place in Coldstream.

The arson charges are still working their way through the court system and Mason has remained in custody since being arrested.

Mason is involved in a family law dispute which has spiralled out of control.

"I'd like to apologize for not handling things more gracefully that were going on with my kids, their mother and the Vernon RCMP," Mason told the court. "Regardless of what did or did not actually take place, I am an amazing father, (a) loving kind and grateful father of three."

One of the emails Mason sent to his ex-wife said "You die parasite" followed by expletive language.

The Crown said he called his ex-wife disrespectful and vulgar names.

The court heard that some of the harassing emails were sent to his ex-wife's colleagues, the media, schools, and other family members.

In a victim impact statement, Mason's ex-wife said the harassment had left her full of "angst, fear, and anxiety."

She had trouble sleeping and felt "threatened, offended, scared and confused."

The Crown pointed out that Mason's ex had a protection order against him issued by the judge in the family dispute and just by sending the emails he was breaching that court order.

Mason's defence lawyer Justin Dosanjh said his client had a breakdown in 2021 and turned to substance abuse.

Dosanjh said Mason had worked in the oil and gas industry for two decades and spent 15 years overseas working. He'd previously been married and had one prior conviction for drunk driving in Ontario more than a decade ago.

The defence says his behaviour was "out of character" and asked for a two-month jail sentence.

Justice Dennis Hori said he needed more time before he could decide on a sentence and adjourned the case.

However, regardless of what sentence Mason is given, the time will be deducted from the time he's already spent behind bars.

"I've used my 455 days in jail to leave an even better human than I was when I came in here," Mason told the court. "I understand the need for justice but mercy follows."

Following the criminal court appearance, Mason remained in the courtroom as the litigation over his separate family matter continued.

Mason is scheduled to stand trial on the arson charges in May.

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