Shaw [2019] EWCA Crim 579

The appellant pleaded guilty to arson being reckless as to whether life was endangered and was sentenced to 3 years imprisonment. He set fire to his flat, barricaded the door and made his way onto the roof via a skylight telling firefighters that there were people inside. This was untrue although firefighters had to conduct a search, the damage caused was extensive. His mental state was poor, and he was suffering from paranoia and delusions.

He appealed against sentence.

Held: the damage caused was extremely high value and his actions resulted in very severe inconvenience to other occupants of the flats who had to move out. 7 years after trial is not wrong in principle and the notional sentence of 4 years 6 months was a substantial reduction from that starting point. The appeal was dismissed.