Man who set fire to campervan with ex-partner inside is jailed
It happened on 18 February in Alderton near Tewkesbury
A man's been jailed for arson setting fire to a campervan while his ex-partner was asleep inside it.
64 year-old Kenneth Jones was sentenced to 11 years and six months in prison.
It happened on 18 February in Alderton near Tewkesbury - while the woman was inside the campervan with her new partner.
Gloucester Crown Court heard how Jones had also stalked the victim in the leadup to the incident.
Detectives traced his previous journeys which showed Jones had travelled into the county on several occasions and repeatedly damaged his ex-partner's car.
His actions caused tens of thousands of pounds worth of damage to the campervan and other vehicles.
Jones was subsequently charged with stalking involving fear of violence, several counts of criminal damage, and arson with intent to endanger life.
He had admitted arson, but denied it was with intent to endanger life. Jones faced a trial at Gloucester Crown Court and was found guilty by a jury. He admitted the other offences.
DC Allun Johnson said: "It is a miracle no-one was either seriously injured or killed due to Jones' atrocious actions.
"His unacceptable behaviour escalated from damaging the victim's car on multiple occasions, turning up unannounced at her address, stalking her in his vehicle and culminated in him endangering both her and her partner's lives.
"Stalking is not flattering - it's unwanted and unwarranted behaviour that causes fear and these actions can have a devastating impact.
"Jones decided to use a hire car that night, and thought he could get away with what he did. However, we were able to show his stalking behaviour where he followed her in his car prior to the arson, which the victim hadn't known had been happening.
"I would like to thank the victims who have been incredibly strong and brave, and worked with us throughout our investigation. Thanks must also go to the quick-thinking neighbour, whose actions likely saved lives that day."
Temp Det Supt Richard Pegler, Domestic Abuse lead, said: "This was a high quality investigation which has prevented further serious harm to the victims, and which has been reflected in the sentence.
"DC Johnson and his team have worked tirelessly to pursue this dangerous man, and let this be a warning to any man who thinks he has the right to stalk and control their partner or ex-partner."