Guildford arsonist who set three fires in one night jailed
A Guildford man's been sentenced to six years behind bars after he started three fires in the town on the same night.
34 year old Ronald Griffin pleaded guilty to one count of arson with intent to endanger life and two other counts of arson.
The sentencing follows an investigation into a string of fires on 19 October 2019.
Griffin started by setting a wooden gate alight before targeting a caravan parked in front of a house.
He then set fire to a van in a car park, followed by a garage at the rear of a property.
When officers arrived a house on Woking Road was ablaze.
Forensic teams investigated and Griffin’s DNA was discovered at all the fire sites. He was arrested on 22 October 2019 for arson with intent to endanger life.
He was subsequently charged with seven offences.
He later pleaded guilty to two counts of arson and one count of arson with intent to endanger life, with the remaining offences to lie on file.
Investigating Officer Detective Constable Vicky Allen said:
“Griffin’s actions caused considerable alarm and distress to those living in the area. Fortunately, no one was seriously injured but his behaviour could have resulted in a far more tragic outcome.
“I hope this sentence demonstrates that this kind of intimidating and reckless behaviour will not be tolerated in our local communities, and we will continue to work hard to keep Surrey as safe as possible.”