Firestarter Jailed for Putting 29 Lives at Risk
Christopher Delooze, a man with no fixed address, sparked chaos by setting fire to an empty TV box in his Warrington sheltered accommodation room on the night of Tuesday 17 December.
The blaze quickly took hold, and without alerting anyone, Delooze fled the building on Lovely Lane — leaving 29 residents inside at risk.
Smoke Alarm Saves the Day
The fire triggered a smoke alarm, prompting staff to call 999 and evacuate everyone safely. Firefighters arrived to douse the flames, but Delooze’s room suffered extensive damage. The residents were forced to spend the night in alternative accommodation.
Arsonist’s Dark Past and Denials
A fire investigator confirmed the blaze was set deliberately. Despite threats to “burn the building to the ground” and a previous arson conviction, Delooze initially denied any involvement. Instead, he claimed another 24-year-old resident was to blame.
After nine months, Delooze finally admitted guilt, pleading guilty to reckless arson. The prosecution accepted the plea, and on Thursday 15 October at 1 Crown Court, he was sentenced to seven years behind bars.
Police Praise Evidence and Warn Others
“Delooze acted deliberately while under the influence of alcohol and fled without raising the alarm, endangering 29 others,” said Detective Constable Rob. “CCTV caught him threatening to torch the building and fleeing his room at the time of the fire. The evidence left him no choice but to admit guilt. I hope this serves as a warning to others.”
Delooze was also ordered to pay a £181 victim surcharge.
Police and Crime Commissioner David Keane added: “Fire spreads quickly and puts lives and property at risk. Thankfully, no-one was hurt. Thanks to the officers who gathered the evidence and brought the arsonist to justice.”
