BUFFALO, N.Y. — A repeat arsonist has admitted to starting a fire on Buffalo's East Side and now his mother is hoping he gets the help he needs.

Joseph Aronica pleaded guilty to multiple arson charges Friday. He previously pleaded not guilty, but decided to change his plea after seeing pre-trial evidence and hearing witness testimony. 

Aronica started a fire at his East Delavan Avenue apartment back on November 28. It spread to two nearby homes.

He faces up to eight years in prison.

Aronica's mother, Lillian Lombardo, says her son has schizoaffective and personality disorders and has been jailed 52 times already.

She's hoping that Aronica will be sent to a psychiatric prison in Central New York as part of the plea.

"I'm sad that he's going away for that many years, but the thought of him on the streets is horrible so I know he's safe. And I'm just hoping if he gets the proper help he can lead some sort of decent life when he gets out," said Lombardo. 

Aronica is being held without bail until his sentencing next month.