San Diego

A judge sentenced an arsonist Tuesday to seven years, four months in prison for two fires at Tuba Man’s Grand Slam bar in North Park.

Consecutive sentences were handed down to Nader Hanna, 22, for the Feb. 1 fire that destroyed the popular sports bar and a small fire at the same bar July 7, 1987.

San Diego Superior Court Judge William Kennedy imposed a $193,902 restitution order against Hanna for the loss of the building, which is owned by his father.

Deputy Dist. Atty. Wes Schermann had urged the judge to impose a maximum term of nine years and four months in prison, and Hanna’s attorney, Rowland Haddad, had requested a lesser sentence with concurrent sentences for the two fires.

Hanna was convicted July 8 in a jury trial on four arson charges relating to the two fires.

The motive for the torchings remains a mystery.

The judge remarked that Hanna apparently “had a beef with the Tuba Man . . . and chose to deal with it illegally.”

The bar has since been rebuilt at the same address, 2557 University Ave.

The judge denied probation, saying: “I just consider this case too grave.”

Haddad asked that Hanna remain free while appealing his conviction, and Kennedy set a Nov. 14 date to hear that request.

Hanna had been free on $100,000 bail until he was convicted.

Hanna’s face had been badly burned in a fire and he was arrested at UC San Diego Medical Center two days after the last fire.