Arsonist jailed after setting fire to his own home in Penhill

Adam Ramsey, of Downton Road, pleaded guilty to arson with recklessness as to whether life was endangered and now faces three years and four months behind bars.

While home alone on July 21, the 35-year-old poured fuel over the carpet of the property while speaking to his partner, who also lived at the house, on the phone - and then set the house alight.

Emergency services responded to 999 calls from the terrace at around 6.41pm.

Four crews of firefighters used 10 breathing apparatus, two hose reel jets, and a main jet to put out the blaze and prevent it from spreading to neighbouring homes.

Smoke from the burning Penhill home on Downton Road (Image: From public)

A Dorset and Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service spokesperson said at the time: “We were called to a mid-terraced property in Downton Road for a fire affecting both the ground and first floor.

“Four crews attended, from Swindon, Stratton, Westlea and Royal Wootton Bassett, together with the aerial ladder platform from Swindon and our stop was at 9.01pm.”

Police received information from a witness to the arson and arrested Ramsey later that evening.

Officers taped off the scene and stood guard with a fire investigator on the following morning while Ramsey was charged with arson with recklessness as to whether life was endangered and remanded into custody.

The severe damage caused by the fire has left the property uninhabitable.

The suspect pleaded guilty to the offence and was sentenced on Wednesday.

Adam Ramsey (Image: Wiltshire Police)

DC Victoria Barker of Swindon CID said: “Ramsey’s actions were incredibly dangerous and it is extremely fortunate that the fire didn’t take hold of any of the neighbouring properties and potentially put lives at risk.

“The property has unfortunately suffered significant damage and has been left in an uninhabitable state which has forced the other people who lived at the property out of their home.

“I would like to praise the quick response of the fire service for their excellent work in stopping the fire from spreading, and thank the member of the public who was able to give us an accurate description of Ramsey after witnessing him leaving the property.

“Ramsey pleaded guilty at the first opportunity and I am pleased that he’s now been jailed, where he can reflect on his unacceptable actions.”