Anthony Walters [2019] EWCA Crim 1406

The appellant was acquitted of 3 offences of attempted murder but convicted of arson with intent to endanger life.

He was sentenced to an extended sentence of 20 years, comprised of a custodial term of 15 years.

The appellant’s relationship broke down, and he blamed his ex-partner’s friend, NH, for the split. He sent abusive messages to her and was subsequently blocked on social media. Having arranged a false alibi and bought an accelerant, the appellant travelled to her home address, poured the accelerant through the letterbox and set it on fire. Firefighters rescued the family from the attic room which they had retreated to; the effect on them was severe.

Held: the appellant’s culpability could not have been higher; he acted in cold blood and out of revenge for a perceived wrong. He waited until the early hours when they would all be asleep, which maximised the danger to them, and did nothing to mitigate the effect of what he had done.

The appeal was dismissed.