Man who put lit fireworks through County Durham letterbox is jailed
Robert Anthony Wilkinson was given 11 years in prison at Durham Crown Court today
An arsonist who put a lit firework through a woman's letterbox in County Durham has been jailed.
Robert Anthony Wilkinson had been arguing with the victim in the street last August before leaving and returning with the fireworks.
He then proceeded to light them and put them through the letterbox at the address in Shotton Colliery, trapping the woman inside.
Thankfully the victim managed to escape through a window.
The home was badly damaged with the fire spreading to the children’s bedrooms.
Luckily the children were playing out but investigators noted the fire could have been fatal if the children had been at home as it spread so quickly.
Wilkinson, of Peterlee, was identified as a suspect and promptly arrested on suspicion of arson with intent to endanger life, arson with recklessness and threats to kill.
And despite giving a ‘no comment’ interview, the 30-year-old, was charged and remanded.
He subsequently pleaded guilty to arson with recklessness but was found guilty of the other two charges following a trial.
And at Durham Crown Court today, he was sentenced to 11 years in prison with an extended period of four years.
DC Ash Hagar, of Peterlee CID, led the investigation.
He said: “This was a reckless crime that could have proved fatal so we are pleased to see justice served.
“I would also like to praise the victim for her bravery throughout the process and hope this will give her some closure.”