Bradford arsonist jailed for 20 months after setting own flat on fire

Tuesday, 1 October 2019 16:26

A Bradford arsonist has been jailed for 20 months after setting fire to his own flat in a drink and drug fuelled incident.

Paul Hegney, 53, of Nottingham Road, Tyersal, appeared at Bradford Crown Court yesterday after he ignited his own flat in desperation after he learned he was due to be evicted.

The incident occurred at 5am on 11 April when Hegney used lighter fluid to ignite a pile of clothes on the bed at his home, owned by housing group, Incommunities.

His neighbour, who lived in the flat below him, called the police after hearing a commotion, including the sounds of a woman screaming and breaking glass.

The police and fire service promptly attended to find the property on fire, and Hegney swearing and shouting.

However, he later became very distressed when he thought his cat may have perished in the blaze, although the court heard that, despite significant damage to the bed, no one was injured and the cat escaped.

Hegney’s barrister, Jayne Beckett, explained his chaotic lifestyle was a result of heroin, cocaine and alcohol abuse.

Since being remanded in custody, he managed to wean himself off the substances and had been in better health.

In sentencing, Judge Colin Burn said there was no realistic alternative to immediate custody and sentenced him to 20 months in prison.

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