Nottinghamshire man jailed for setting fire to his own flat

Stephen Pritchard caused an emergency evacuation in Ruddington

Photo of Stephen Pritchard
Author: Lynsey BagnallPublished 5th Feb 2024

The 32 year old started fires in multiple rooms of the property in Dunblane Road on the evening of Thursday 12th October.

As his neighbours watched from outside, Pritchard was rescued from his flat on the second floor of the block by firefighters who guided him down a ladder.

No-one was injured and the blaze was soon extinguished.

Pritchard, who immediately admitted what he had done and explained that he had only been trying to harm himself, was arrested at the scene and later pleaded guilty to a charge of arson with recklessness as to whether life was endangered.

Appearing at Nottingham Crown Court last week, he was jailed for two years and four months.

Detective Constable Nathan Wall, of Nottinghamshire Police, said:

“Thanks to the excellent response by Nottinghamshire Fire and Rescue Service Pritchard was unharmed in this incident and major damage to other properties was avoided.

“However, this story could very easily have had a different outcome. I am pleased Pritchard has now been held to account and sincerely hope he uses his time in prison to get the help he needs to change the direction of his life.”