A Swindon man has been found guilty of arson and witness intimidation following a trial at Bristol Crown Court. Kane Walker, 20, of County Road, Swindon, was convicted by a jury on charges of arson, being reckless as to whether life was endangered, and intimidating witnesses in connection with a case involving his ex-partner.
The trial concluded on September 12, and Walker is scheduled to be sentenced on November 15.
The charges stem from an incident on March 7, when Walker was arrested after allegations were made by his ex-partner. He was released on bail, but just two days later, a BMW belonging to a family member of the victim was deliberately set on fire. Swift police action, including the review of CCTV footage, led to Walker’s re-arrest. He was subsequently charged and remanded.
Trainee Complex Crime Investigator Catherine Baird, based in CID, praised the victims’ bravery throughout the trial. “Without their evidence for this case, we wouldn’t have been able to get this verdict,” Baird said. “This was an example of an offender trying to scare the victim because she no longer wanted to be in a relationship with him and had made a complaint to the police.”
She added, “We should not feel scared to end relationships, we should be able to feel safe and not be subjected to actions like Walker’s.”
The conviction brings closure to a case that highlights the dangers of witness intimidation and the importance of victim support in the justice process. Authorities hope the sentencing will provide justice and serve as a deterrent against similar crimes.
