Man sets fire to home after row with girlfriend – then taunts police
Emergency crews rushed to Daniel Willerton’s house in Birchwood, Orton Goldhay, Peterborough, after it was set ablaze on the evening of 4 October 2021.
Break-up sparks fiery rampage
Police discovered that 47-year-old Willerton had split from his girlfriend the day before. Frustrated by ignored texts that afternoon, he snapped.
In a fit of rage, he doused his laptop and living room with accelerant, then sparked a blaze before sending one chilling message: “House burning down now.”
Abusive calls and chilling threats
Willerton made several abusive calls to police, yelling, “I hope you’re happy, this is your fault,” and warning, “The next time you hear from me I’ll be in a prison cell.”
Blaze contained but home severely damaged
Firefighters battled the flames for around 30 minutes, preventing the fire from spreading to nearby homes. However, Willerton’s property was left badly damaged.
Justice served in Huntingdon court
Willerton appeared at Huntingdon Law Court on 15 July, where he was handed a 4½-year prison sentence after pleading guilty to arson with recklessness as to endanger life.
