Eric Jordan, 55, from Whittlesey, Peterborough, has been jailed for setting fire to his flat on Christmas Day 2023. Emergency services responded after flames and smoke were seen coming from the first-floor flat on Scaldgate.
Jordan deliberately blocked the downstairs entrance with an armchair and used barbecue lighter fluid to ignite the stairwell, putting himself and neighbours at serious risk.
On 25 December, emergency services were called to Jordan’s flat after smoke alarms raised concern. Jordan, trapped inside, started the fire on purpose, creating a dangerous situation for nearby residents.
During the blaze, Jordan suffered serious injuries after falling from the first-floor window. Paramedics treated him at the scene before police arrested him on suspicion of arson.
A family of four living near Jordan’s flat had to evacuate their home for their safety amid the fire. The blaze caused around £50,000 worth of damage to the rental property.
At Huntingdon Law Courts on 5 June, Jordan pleaded guilty to arson and was sentenced to 16 months in prison.
Detective Constable Chris Herring said the deliberate fire could have had fatal consequences and praised the court’s sentence for the damage and distress caused.
Originally published by UKNIP.
