Corby drug dealer jailed after setting himself on fire in botched arson attack
Tony James suffered burns after torching a car before being caught with Class A drugs
Last updated 20th Aug 2025
A Corby man who accidentally set himself on fire while torching a car has been jailed for four years.
On the evening of February 19, 34-year-old Tony James used an accelerant to ignite a blue Mazda parked in Fotheringhay Road, causing more than £5,500 worth of damage. But in the process, he also set himself alight, suffering serious burns.
Police launched an investigation, led by Northamptonshire Police Response officers, and James was quickly identified as the suspect.
When officers arrested him at his caravan in Burghley Drive, they uncovered almost £10,000 worth of cocaine along with a quantity of cannabis.
James was charged with arson with intent to endanger life, possession with intent to supply Class A drugs, and possession of Class B drugs.
He pleaded guilty at Northampton Crown Court in June and was sentenced at the same court on Monday, August 18, receiving a total of four years in prison.
PC Jarrod Staughton, who led the case, said:
“This was a complex investigation, and I am pleased it has led to this lengthy custodial sentence.
There was a variety of evidence we followed to identify Tony James as the offender of the arson including forensic evidence on a lighter found at the scene, as well as a review of CCTV footage in the area.
When we went to arrest him for the arson offence, we then found all the drugs.
I hope this result reassures our local communities and demonstrates the skills of their local Response officers too.”