A man has been jailed for four years after admitting to deliberately setting fire to a barn in Bratton, causing major disruption and financial loss to a local farming business.
Liam Jones, 29, of no fixed abode, was sentenced at Swindon Crown Court on April 22 for arson. The offence took place on January 24, when Jones set fire to a barn on Quarry Lane and shortly after called the police to confess.
Appearing at Swindon Magistrates’ Court the following day, Jones pleaded guilty to the charge. In addition to the prison sentence, he will be on licence for three years following his release and must pay a victim surcharge of £228.
In a powerful statement read out in court, the affected farmer detailed the wide-ranging impact of the fire, which destroyed a key barn that housed vital winter feed and straw bedding. The damage included the loss of around 300 feed bales and 30 large straw bales, with an estimated cost of £25,000.
“The impact this has had on me and my business has been vast,” the farmer said. “The fire caused stress to young cattle in a nearby building, with some developing coughs from smoke inhalation. This could result in long-term health issues and hinder their growth.”
The statement continued: “Due to the fire, I had to find alternative housing for the cattle, which was extremely difficult given their varying ages. The entire incident has caused immense stress to my family, particularly my two young children, who were deeply upset by the aftermath.”
Local Crime Investigator Maria Doyle condemned the arson as “reckless and dangerous,” adding that it had resulted in significant financial and emotional distress.
“This was a serious offence that could have easily escalated further. Tackling rural crime remains a priority for Wiltshire Police, and we will not hesitate to bring offenders like Jones to justice,” she said.
Wiltshire Police encourages anyone affected by rural crime to report it by calling 101 or 999 in emergencies.
