Homeless Man Sets Hotel Ablaze After Emergency Call
Clive Gonsalves, a homeless man housed by Swindon Borough Council during the Covid-19 pandemic, has been found guilty of arson and criminal damage. The shocking incident took place at the Great Western Hotel in April.
Fire Started After Ambulance Visit
On the night of April 6, Gonsalves made several calls to the ambulance service. When paramedics arrived, they found him physically well and provided support and information about other services. But just hours later, in the early hours of April 7, Gonsalves set fire to his bedding or mattress.
The fire triggered alarms, and hotel staff acted fast. They discovered Gonsalves lying on his bed and dragged him to the car park for safety. Both Gonsalves and the staff were assessed by the ambulance crew. Meanwhile, the room was completely destroyed by the blaze.
Bravo Staff Stop Disaster
“Thankfully the other residents were out at the time. The Fire safety systems in place at the hotel stopped the fire from spreading but had the staff not acted quickly and the other residents had been in their rooms the result could have been much worse,” said Detective Constable Philip Nash of Wiltshire Police.
“Our thanks go to those members of staff for their brave actions, saving the life of Mr Gonsalves at considerable risk to themselves.”
Judge Slams Gonsalves, Sends Him Down for Six Years
At sentencing, His Honour Judge Jason Taylor KC warned Gonsalves: “You placed yourself and others at risk and I am concerned that you demonstrated the capacity to cause significant harm. It was only good fortune that further injury was not caused.”
Gonsalves was handed six years in prison with a minimum of four years before parole eligibility. He must also pay a victim surcharge, details of which are yet to be confirmed.
