Man jailed for nine years for starting fire at Halesworth flat
A man who set fire to a flat in Halesworth last summer has been jailed for nine years.
Stephen Wilson, 32, from Loddon in Norfolk started the fire above a newsagents in the Suffolk town's market place on June 11.
The fire caused significant damage to two Grade II listed buildings and a road through the town was closed for three days earlier this year to enable repairs to be carried out.
He was arrested a week later and was charged with arson endangering life, assault and taking a vehicle without the owner’s consent.
Despite denying the charges, Wilson was found guilty and was sentenced to nine years in prison.
“I would like to thank the team of officers who investigated this case so professionally and diligently which led to the conviction at court," Sergeant Lee Cudmore said.
"Wilson’s reckless behaviour in deliberately starting the fire led to enormous damage of a number of buildings and has caused continuing inconvenience to business owners and residents of the town. Thankfully nobody was injured as a result of the fire."