Man who set fire to his home jailed

Darren Blockley sentenced to four years

A Devon man has been jailed for four years after setting fire to his house in October. 

53-year-old Darren Blockley, of Old Mill Road in Torquay, was sentenced at Exeter Crown Court recently after pleading guilty to arson, theft and criminal damage.

The sentencing follows an incident that took place on Tuesday 22 October last year, during which Mr Blockley set fire to his own property and caused significant damage to items inside another, following a dispute with the owners of both of the properties.

The items destroyed in the property included tables, chairs, computers and TVs. The value of the items damaged was estimated at £20,000. A meat clever and hammer used to inflict the damage.

A ten year sentencing hearing was also put in place.

Following the sentencing, investigating officer, Detective Constable Jake Woodbridge, said: “I welcome the court’s sentence regarding this case. On that day, Darren Blockley’s showed no consideration for the welfare of neighbouring residents, who thankfully, were not endangered by the fire.

“His choice to then go on and commit further crimes at another person’s home, where he caused significant damage to TVs, sofas and computers, just shows his disregard for the wellbeing of others.

“Blockley’s actions caused considerable worry within the local community and could have resulted in a tragic outcome. Thankfully, down to the quick action of the emergency services involved, that was not the case.

“I hope this goes some way in reassuring the community that these incidents will not be tolerated and we will work relentlessly to make sure that those involved are put before the courts.”