Two men have been convicted of murder following a deadly arson attack in Wolverhampton that claimed the life of a young man and left two other family members seriously injured.

Fatal Fire on Plascom Road

Akashdeep Singh, 26, died after a devastating fire ripped through his home on Plascom Road in the early hours of Tuesday, 25 June 2024. His mother sustained life-changing injuries, and one of his brothers was seriously hurt in the blaze.

Today, following a lengthy trial, Dale Francis and Daniel Tatters were found guilty of murder at [Crown Court location], bringing justice to Singh’s grieving family nearly a year after the tragedy.

How the Attack Unfolded

Prosecutors revealed that Tatters smashed the bay window at the front of the family home, poured flammable liquid inside, and ignited it using a cigarette lighter. The fire spread rapidly, trapping the victims inside.

The discarded lighter was later recovered from the driveway, helping investigators piece together the events of the attack.

Dale Francis was found to have worked closely with Tatters to plan the arson, with both men facing charges of murder, attempted murder, and arson with intent to endanger life.

Police Statement

A spokesperson for West Midlands Police said:

“This was a horrific and deliberate act of violence that cost a young man his life and left his family physically and emotionally scarred. Francis and Tatters showed no regard for the lives they endangered, and today’s convictions reflect the gravity of their crimes.”

Family Devastated

In a tribute released shortly after the attack, Singh’s family described him as “a kind, gentle young man with his whole life ahead of him.” They have asked for privacy as they continue to grieve their loss.

Sentencing

Both men will be sentenced at a later date, expected to be in the coming weeks.

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