Man jailed for setting fire to house in Swindon

A man has been jailed after setting fire to a property in Swindon.

Adam Ramsey, 35, of Downton Road, Penhill, pleaded guilty to arson with recklessness as to whether life was endangered after setting fire to the property where he was living.

He was sentenced yesterday (07/11) to three years and four months imprisonment.

On July 21 this year, Ramsey poured fuel over the carpet of the property while on the phone to his partner, who also lived at the house, before setting it alight. There was nobody else in the property at the time.

Following information from a witness, Ramsey was arrested that evening. He was subsequently charged and remanded into custody.

He pleaded guilty and was sentenced yesterday.

The property was left uninhabitable.

DC Victoria Barker of Swindon CID said: “Ramsey’s actions were incredibly dangerous and it is extremely fortunate that the fire didn’t take hold of any of the neighbouring properties and potentially put lives at risk.

“The property has unfortunately suffered significant damage and has been left in an uninhabitable state which has forced the other people who lived at the property out of their home.

“I’d like to praise the quick response of the fire service for their excellent work in stopping the fire from spreading, and thank the member of the public who was able to give us an accurate description of Ramsey after witnessing him leaving the property.

“Ramsey pleaded guilty at the first opportunity and I am pleased that he’s now been jailed, where he can reflect on his unacceptable actions.”

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