Arsonist Jailed After Starting Flat Fire and Fleeing Neighbours’ Danger
A man who sparked a blaze in his Birmingham flat and left neighbours in peril has been slammed with a four-and-a-half-year jail sentence for arson.
Flames Ignited by Knocked-Over Candle
William McDonalgh, 34, accidentally toppled a candle in his Islington Row flat in the early hours of January 14 last year, igniting a fierce fire.
Rather than alert anyone, McDonalgh fled the scene. When he returned about 10 minutes later, he saw flames and bravely tried to re-enter but was overcome by smoke.
Residents Suffer Smoke Inhalation and Lasting Trauma
- Several tenants required hospital treatment for smoke inhalation.
- Many continue to suffer lasting effects from the incident.
- The fire caused roughly £500,000 worth of damage to the building.
Court Jails Arsonist for Ignoring Flatmates’ Safety
McDonalgh pleaded guilty at Birmingham Crown Court. On January 27, he was sentenced to four-and-a-half years behind bars.
“This fire could easily have resulted in a loss of life and has traumatised the victims involved. It is only proper that the man who caused it and chose not to alert his flat mates has now been jailed for a number of years,” said DC Sonia Bahia of Bournville Lane CID.
