East Sussex Fire and Rescue Service is welcoming the successful prosecution of two men who deliberately started fires across Sussex causing more than £1million in damage.
Investigations into each of the fires were carried out by officers where abandoned buildings, agricultural barns, farmland and haybales had been set alight, causing extensive damage and disruption.
At Lewes Crown Court on Monday 30 October, Joshua Brinkley, 20, of Southfield Polegate was sentenced to three years’ imprisonment after pleading guilty at an earlier hearing.
Connor Luck, 21, of School Lane, Blackboys, who also pleaded guilty, was sentenced to 21 months’ imprisonment, suspended for two years. He was ordered to undertake 200 hours unpaid work and 25 rehabilitation days and will be on an electronically monitored curfew between 8pam and 6am for three months.
Both were ordered to pay a victim surcharge.
You can read more on Sussex Police website here: https://www.sussex.police.uk/news/sussex/news/court-results/two-sentenced-for-arson-attacks-causing-1million-in-damage/
Advice for businesses:
Reducing the risk from arson is something that businesses should be considering when looking to protect both people and property. From 1st October 2023, those responsible for fire safety at non-domestic premises have a legal responsibility for carrying out and recording a fire risk assessment. Find out more about the legal changes and fire risk assessments here: Fire safety responsibilities under Section 156 of the Building Safety Act 2022 | East Sussex Fire & Rescue Service (esfrs.org)
Help us tackle arson:
Arson and deliberate fires are a problem for the Fire Service, the Police and the Ambulance Service. They endanger lives and divert valuable resources.
For practical advice on how you can play your part in combating arson, please visit: Arson Reduction | East Sussex Fire & Rescue Service (esfrs.org)
If you have information about illegal fire setting and those responsible, please report them (anonymous) to firestoppersreport.co.uk online or by phone on 0800 169 5558 or contact Sussex Police on 101 with information.
Always call 999 in an emergency.