A ‘reckless’ arsonist has been condemned by Fire Chiefs, after he was given a 14-and-a-half-year extended jail sentence.
Luke Patchett’s crime spree in June 2022 included setting fire to a car on Knowles Street and then starting a fire outside a house on Clapham Street. He then set fire to a family’s Peugeot, which was parked outside their front door and the blaze spread to the home.
fire alarms and smoke
The homeowners were woken up by their fire alarms and smoke filled the property leaving the terrified couple trapped upstairs with their two children.
Crews from West Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service (WYFRS) rescued the family and got them to safety.
arson offense
He pleaded guilty to arson being reckless as to whether life was endangered, two offenses of arson
Bradford Crown Court heard that Patchett, 33, of Bolton Hall Road, Wrose, Shipley was a public danger and would be imprisoned for seven and a half years with a seven-year licence period on top of that.
He pleaded guilty to arson being reckless as to whether life was endangered, two offenses of arson, two burglaries, an attempted burglary, two offenses of criminal damage, and theft.
reckless actions
Area Manager - Scott Donegan said, “We welcome this sentencing for the various offenses committed by Patchett, who had total disregard for the risk to human life."
He adds, "His reckless actions have profoundly affected a family, both emotionally and financially. They were made homeless as a result of Patchett’s crime spree and are now starting to rebuild their lives."
quick response
Our teams reacted quickly to this incident and thankfully no lives were lost"
Scott Donegan continues, “The mother who was trapped said in court that the only hope she had was that the fire crew would get to them soon and get them out. Our teams reacted quickly to this incident and thankfully no lives were lost."
He stated, "We are continuing to work with groups and organizations in this area to educate local people on the dangers of fire, and how important it is to follow our guidance at all times.”
extended sentence
Detective Chief Inspector - Andy Farrell of Bradford District Police, said, “Patchett’s actions were unbelievably reckless and left a family fearing for their lives when a car fire he started spread to their home."
Andy Farrell adds, “The extended sentence he has received reflects the seriousness of what he did, and I hope those who were impacted by this drunken rampage can take some comfort in the fact that he has been locked up for a long time.”
