Scott Tomkinson, 46, from Bentilee, was jailed for three years after admitting reckless arson at Stoke-on-Trent Crown Court on 1 December 2022. The blaze broke out at a property on Dividy Road just after 8.30pm on 9 July 2022, with the rear of the house engulfed in flames when emergency crews arrived.
Tomkinson was the only person inside the property at the time of the fire. The court heard that the fire could have cost lives due to the dangerous nature of the blaze.
On Friday, 3 March, Tomkinson was sentenced to three years behind bars for intentionally putting lives at risk through his actions.
PC Alexander Potts of Stoke North Local Policing Team commented on the case, stating: “Tomkinson posed a serious threat to people who live and work in the area, when he intentionally started this large fire. I hope his conviction and jail term reassures the community that we will take action against anyone recklessly putting others in danger.”
Liam Hickey, Station Manager at Staffordshire Fire and Rescue Service, added: “Such actions have a significant impact upon local communities and put our firefighters at risk. Thanks to colleagues at Staffordshire Police for all of the hard work that has gone into achieving this outcome.”
Originally published by UKNIP.
