Arson with intent – Trial acquittal – Ben Thomas defends
Park Square BarristersThe Defendant was charged with Arson with Intent to Endanger Life, he was alleged that he set fire to his flat using petrol in an attempt to kill himself and also his partner who, along with others were in the flat.
The fire caused extensive damage to the flat, requiring significant fire service resources being deployed, and the whole block was required to be evacuated. An eye witness in the flat gave evidence at trial of the Defendant throwing petrol around and setting it on fire, there was evidence of an immediate 999 call reporting the fire and having been rescued from the flat the Defendant was caught on body camera footage making admissions to a paramedic that he had started the fire intentionally using petrol in an attempt to end his life.
The case involved instruction of a defence fire expert who gave evidence and extensive cross examination of the prosecution fire expert. There were also legal arguments regarding the admissibility of the admissions made to the paramedic and the admission of a comment made by an occupant of the flat who did not give evidence.
Following a retirement of just under two hours the jury found the Defendant Not Guilty both of Arson with Intent to Endanger Life and the alternative charge of Arson Being Reckless to the Endangerment of Life.
For other information about Ben Thomas – please contact one of his Criminal Clerks:
Andrew Thornton on 0113 213 5202
Rebecca Wilson on 0113 213 5203
Hannah Dempsey on 0113 213 5211