In a bizarre attempt to get the firefighters' attention, James Brown, 26, set his own home on fire. Described as having a fascination with the fire service, he managed to get his wish but with disastrous consequences. The case raises questions about how far people will go to get noticed.

Brown’s desperate bid for rescue ended not in jail, but with a suspended sentence and 150 hours of community service. Diagnosed with autism and described as “extremely remorseful,” his story now fuels debate over mental health and emergency services misuse in viral crime news.