Man who set his own flat on fire is jailed

A man who set fire to his own flat has been jailed for more than six years.

Ryan James, 41, started two fires in his home in Dudley Road, Tunbridge Wells, on 24 August 2024 before locking the front door and walking away, Kent Police said.

He pleaded guilty to arson involving being reckless as to whether life is endangered at Maidstone Crown Court.

James was sentenced on Friday to six years and three months in prison and will serve a further three years on licence when eligible for parole.

Police said fire alarms were set off which alerted other residents and the emergency services were called.

Two of James' neighbours tried to enter the locked flat, thinking he was still inside, the force said.

However, due to the danger, they evacuated the building, police added.

Kent Fire and Rescue Service entered the property and extinguished the flames.

Police found that James had visited his gym an hour before starting the fire where he stored his belongings in one of the lockers, the court was told.

When officers arrested him on 26 August 2024 in the town centre, he had the front door keys in his possession.

Det Con Celia King at Kent Police said: "This was a reckless and vindictive act that endangered the lives of everyone in the building.

"James selfishly locked the door behind him, making it harder to stop the fire and causing further damage.

"His courageous neighbours risked their own lives to save him, thinking he may have been trapped inside.

"Thankfully, there were no injuries and I'm glad to see that James will suffer the consequences of his actions."

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