Cambridge man jailed after starting fire outside university college
He caused £800 of damage and attempted to set multiple fires.
Last updated 27th Jan 2026
A 45-year-old man from Cambridge has been jailed for attempting to start fires outside a University of Cambridge college.
Patryk Malinowski, of Akeman Street, entered the gated courtyard near student accommodation at St Catharine’s College at around 11pm on 25th January last year and refused to leave despite being asked repeatedly by a college porter.
He threw a wine bottle at the porter before leaving the enclosed courtyard. Malinowski then reached through the railings and set fire to a laundry basket, which the porter was able to extinguish.
He also moved into a car park, where he set fire to a rubbish bin and attempted to ignite a fire beneath a car after damaging its wing mirror. Malinowski shoved twigs and grass into the car’s fuel tank and tried, unsuccessfully, to light them.
His actions caused about £800 worth of damage, and he was arrested shortly afterwards.
At Cambridge Crown Court on 23rd January, Malinowski was sentenced to one year in prison after pleading guilty to charges of arson and attempted arson. One count of criminal damage and one count of common assault were ordered to lie on file.
PC Bethan Joyce, who investigated the case, said: “Malinowski showed a clear disregard for the safety of others by attempting to start fires in multiple locations and acted aggressively towards the porter who was simply doing his job.
“Thanks to the quick actions of the porter, the fire was contained before it could cause any significant harm.
“I’m pleased Malinowski has now been brought before the courts and held accountable for his actions.”