A convicted arsonist who escaped a jail sentence on Friday later launched a heated verbal attack on a Seven News crew while making "gang signs".
Scott Morris was given an 11-month suspended sentence for setting fire to a derelict Chicken Treat restaurant in Midvale and several other bushfires.
Seven News Perth reporter Jamie Freestone said after Morris was convicted last year the 27-year-old had been placed on a pre-sentencing order involving counselling for drugs, personal and psychological issues.
He said Supreme Court Judge Michael Corboy described Morris' behaviour while on the order as exemplary.
But outside court the arsonist launched a furious barrage of swearing at the Seven News crew and made what appeared to be "gang signs" as the camera crew recorded his actions.
"Put that up... Midland Dog," he said while using his fingers to form the letter M against his chest.
The story attracted several hundred comments after it was uploaded on to the West Australian newspaper's Facebook page, many of them critical of the judge for setting the man free.
Others comments described Morris' hand signs as "gang signs" or "suburb signs".
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