Southend man given life sentence after killing mother in house fire
He set the home ablaze after researching life insurance payouts
Last updated 4th Dec 2022
A man has been handed a life sentence after he set a fire which killed his own mother in the home they both shared in Southend.
Andrew Wilding was convicted of the murder of his mother, 66-year-old Elsie Pinder, at Basildon Crown Court yesterday, Thursday 2 December.
Today, Friday 2 December, he was handed a life sentence and must serve a minimum of 27 years in jail before he is considered for release.
Wilding, 42, also knew the flat above his was occupied and was also charged with arson with intent to endanger life.
He denied the charges but was found guilty of both. The sentence given today is made up of 27 years for murder and eight years for the arson offence, which will run concurrently.
Detective Chief Inspector Stuart Truss of the Kent and Essex Serious Crime Directorate led the investigation.
He said: “This week, justice has been served for Elsie and the rest of her family, all of whom have carried themselves with incredible dignity since Andrew Wilding’s tragic actions were carried out.
“Wilding believed he had concocted a believable story which would ensure he could continue on with his life without being punished.
“Even through his trial as the evidence was laid out, he maintained his innocence and that Elsie’s death was a tragic accident.
“Thankfully, we saw through his lies and so has the jury and today he has been handed a sentence which truly reflects his actions on July 2021.”