Man found guilty of arson and witness intimidation

A man has been found guilty after setting a car on fire and intimidating witnesses in Swindon.

Following a trial by jury at Bristol Crown Court which concluded on September 12, Kane Walker, 20, of County Road, Swindon, was found guilty by jury of arson being reckless as to whether life is endangered, and witness intimidation.

He is due to be sentenced on November 15.

On March 7 this year, Walker was arrested following allegations made by his ex-partner and was released on bail.

Two days later, a BMW belonging to a family member of the victim was set on fire.

Following swift enquiries including collating CCTV footage, Walker was arrested, before being charged and remanded.

Trainee Complex Crime Investigator Catherine Baird, based in CID, said: “I want to thank the victims for the incredible bravery they have shown throughout this ordeal.

“Without their evidence for this case, we wouldn’t have been able to get this verdict.

“This was an example of an offender trying to scare the victim because she no longer wanted to be in a relationship with him and had made a complaint to the police.

“We should not feel scared to end relationships, we should be able to feel safe and not be subjected to actions like Walker’s.”