P.E.I. man who started string of cottage fires in 2023 to be sentenced in May [Video]

Crown and defence lawyers made their sentencing arguments in a P.E.I. courtroom Friday for a man who was behind a string of fires that destroyed cottages and damaged homes in 2023. 

Some of the victims also spoke about how they were affected by the crimes committed by Dakota Ellis. 

Last May, the Donaldston man pleaded guilty to a number of charges related to arson as well as breaking and entering to commit an indictable offence. Ellis was 19 at the time of the incidents. 

Three cottages were destroyed in Donaldston, Stanhope and Scotchfort. A home and a lifeguard hut in Prince Edward Island National Park were also damaged. 

Joanne Cook inherited her cottage from her parents, and told the court Friday that what was lost in the fire can’t be replaced. 

She said she doesn’t know if she can afford to rebuild — and even if she could, she’s not …