Two Jailed Over Brighton Arson Spree as Two More Await Sentencing
Two criminals have been locked up following a shocking string of deliberate fires in Brighton. Two others face sentencing next month after a spree that left locals fearing for their safety.
Fire Frenzy Rocks Brighton Streets
- On 24 September 2023, a Range Rover was torched outside a Downsway, Woodingdean home at around 9:10pm.
- The fire service rushed in but could not save the vehicle’s front, already swallowed by flames.
- The very next evening, a blaze erupted at a property on Down Terrace around 10pm. A woman and her dog were trapped but escaped through an upstairs window before the house was destroyed.
- Just 25 minutes later, another fire was started outside a house on Norwich Crescent, causing window frame damage.
Police Crack Down: Four Suspects Named
Sussex Police launched a major probe and found accelerants were used in all three fires. The suspects: Callum Radband (26), Elle-Mai Dunford (21), Marcus Murphy (28), and Bronnie Richards (26).
CCTV and video evidence directly linked Dunford and Radband to the Down Terrace and Norwich Crescent fires. Murphy and Richards’ roles were also confirmed through surveillance.
On 9 October 2024, Dunford admitted guilt to all three fires at Hove Crown Court. After a lengthy trial at Lewes Crown Court, verdicts came down on 2 December 2024:
- Radband found guilty of two counts of arson dangerously reckless to life – linked to Down Terrace and Norwich Crescent fires – but cleared of the Range Rover blaze.
- Murphy and Richards convicted of arson connected to the Norwich Crescent fire only.
Dunford and Radband were sentenced on 20 January 2025 at Lewes Crown Court. Dunford got seven years and four months, Radband received seven years and eight months behind bars. Murphy and Richards are due to be sentenced on 17 February.
Detective Slams ‘Deeply Concerning’ Arson Spree
“This was a deeply concerning series of incidents, where multiple fires were deliberately set, causing significant damage to homes and personal property. A tireless effort was invested to piece together the evidence, helped by the cooperation of the community throughout police enquiries,” said Detective Emily Farley. “Such actions not only endanger lives but also devastate the sense of safety in our neighbourhoods. Dunford and Radband have now been given substantial sentences for the serious roles they played, and we await the further sentencing of Richards and Murphy on February 17.”
This case serves as a stark reminder of the danger arson brings to communities and showcases the relentless pursuit of justice by UK emergency services and police.
