An arsonist who put a firework through a woman's letterbox 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 lit them and put them through the letterbox at an address in Shotton Colliery, trapping the woman inside.
The victim managed to escape through a window, but home was badly damaged with the fire spreading to children's bedrooms in the property. The children were playing out at the time but investigators noted that the fire could have been fatal if the children had been at home as it spread so quickly.
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Wilkinson, of Peterlee, was identified as a suspect and 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. Today (June 2) he was sentenced at Durham Crown Court to 11 years in prison with an extended period of four years.
DC Ash Hagar, of Peterlee CID, who led the investigation, 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."
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