Life sentence for arsonist who torched tower block

A SERIAL arsonist deliberately endangered the lives of more than 100 people by torching a tower block.

Matthew Taylor was given a life sentence over his attempts to set fire to Poplar Mount, in Bramley, Leeds.

Taylor piled up bags of rubbish next to the ground floor exit of the 11-storey flats block before setting it alight on March 4 this year.

The 32-year-old then lit another rubbish bag before putting it in a lift and taking it to the top floor.

Taylor got out but pressed every button so the blazing lift would stop at each floor on the way back down to the ground floor.

Leeds Crown Court heard he repeated his actions on two more occasions and continued to put more rubbish into the lift to “stoke” the blaze.

Taylor was interviewed by police but placed the lives of his fellow tenants in danger for a second time.

He tied the seventh floor communal stairwell doors together with a petrol-soaked rag and set it alight. Taylor carried out further arson attacks at the homes of his girlfriend and her next door neighbour the following day on Henley Place, Bramley.

Taylor, who lived on the top floor of Poplar Mount, pleaded guilty to three offences of arson with intent to endanger life and one of arson being reckless as to whether life was endangered.

Taylor must serve a minimum of six years, nine months in custody before he can apply to the parole board for release.