Arsonist Jailed for Life After Pensioner Dies in Horrific House Fire
A ruthless arsonist who targeted a West Malling home, fully aware an elderly woman was inside, has been locked up for life. Simon Childs, 52, was sentenced at Maidstone Crown Court on Friday 24 May 2019. He must serve at least 32 years before he even gets a chance at parole.
Fire Set With Petrol, Mother-in-Law Dies
Childs deliberately started a blaze using petrol in a Spitfire Road property. The fire tragically claimed the life of his 65-year-old mother-in-law, Jacqueline Allen. On the night of 17 November 2018, at around 9pm, he broke into the home, stealing petrol from containers in a shed before igniting a lean-to next to the kitchen.
Emergency teams rushed to the scene but despite their efforts, Mrs Allen died later in hospital. Another victim inside the house escaped by jumping from a first-floor window and suffered a fractured toe.
Childs Caught and Banned from Property
Police found Childs moments later at a nearby address in Hurricane Close and promptly arrested him. At the time, he was already prohibited by court order from entering the Spitfire Road house after a previous assault conviction against a former partner.
Kent and Essex Serious Crime Directorate uncovered that Childs had also threatened to torch a caravan linked to a rival man and repeatedly warned he would “burn the house down.” He bombarded his former partner with abusive calls and messages, demanding to know her whereabouts. Yet, he denied responsibility during police interviews.
Justice Served After Gruesome Trial
Investigators proved Childs was away from his address for 10 minutes during the fire, claiming to have smoked cannabis in his van. He pleaded not guilty to murder and attempted murder, but a jury convicted him on both counts on 22 May 2019.
“Simon Child’s actions were callous and calculated,” said Detective Chief Inspector Patrick Milford. “He broke into the property knowing Jacqueline Allen and another person were inside, then started a devastating fire with tragic consequences.
Residents bravely tried to rescue those trapped, but the blaze was too fierce. This sentence won’t erase the grief caused, but at least Childs is behind bars and can’t harm anyone else for decades.”
