CLASSIC CAR ARSONIST JAILED FOR LIFE
British saloons destroyed in blazes that caused £1.5m of damage
A man who destroyed a collection of classics during an arson spree in Bedfordshire, earlier this year, has been handed a life sentence.
Alexander Gentry, 43, of no fixed address, was found guilty at Luton Crown Court of three counts of arson with intent to endanger life for starting a series of fires in Biddenham in the early hours of 8 January, including setting fire to a building where a private collection of classics and historic agricultural equipment was being stored. He also set fire to a nearby barn and a thatched cottage in which two people were asleep, who escaped uninjured.
Detective Constable Gareth Jones, who led the investigation, said: ‘Gentry set fires that destroyed property worth almost £1.5m, but more importantly put people in serious danger and devastated their lives. Luckily, no one was injured.
‘The sentence imposed on him today reflects the gravity with which we and the courts view arson and he will no longer pose a risk to the county’s communities.’
Bedfordshire Fire and Rescue Service said that dealing with three simultaneous blazes started by Gentry tied up large number of its resources for a ‘significant amount of time’.
Station Commander, Lorraine Moore, said: ‘We are delighted that Gentry has been handed such a lengthy sentence and feel that this reflects the severity of his offences.
‘He put the lives of several people at risk, both members of the public and firefighters. Fortunately, no-one was hurt but his actions had a serious impact on the victims and I’m pleased that this has been recognised.’