Serial arsonist jailed for life
A serial arsonist with a history of fire starting in Maidstone has been given a life sentence. Luke French admitted starting blazes near hospital oxygen tanks, a mobile mortuary and two MRI scanners worth £1 million in Medway. Maidstone Crown Court heard it was only the quick actions of staff who spotted flames that averted serious consequences.
The 29-year-old pyromaniac, from Sittingbourne, has a history of starting fires dating back to childhood. He admitted he got a thrill from it and watching emergency workers in action. Sentencing him, Judge Adele Williams told him: “You are a very dangerous young man.” Prosecutor Gabby Henty said one fire happened near two large MRI scanners each worth £500,000, while plastic was set alight next to bin cages close to to a mobile mortuary in incidents 15 minutes apart. “But perhaps most seriously was where the mobile oxygen containers were which connect to the main oxygen supply to the hospital,” she added. French was caught on CCTV starting the fires last September, and then lurking with an accomplice in the hospital entrance, either to watch the flames or to avoid detection. He has nine previous convictions for 12 offences, including three of reckless arson committed during a two-hour spree in Maidstone town centre at The Mall, McDonald’s in Week Street and Sainsbury’s. Judge Williams told the smiling fire starter he could apply for parole after serving five years but would only be released when he was no longer regarded a risk.