Man, 23, Sets House on Fire After Pouring Fuel Outside
Connor O’Rourke, 23, was caught on camera dousing a front garden and bins with fuel in Ratten Row last June. He then sparked a blazing fire with a lighter, putting lives in danger.
Desperate Fight for Survival
The flames rapidly spread towards the house while occupants were still inside. A 40-year-old woman suffered horrific burns over 60% of her body and was initially not expected to survive. She is now recovering, but faces a long, painful journey.
A 20-year-old witness also suffered burns to her legs and is still coping with the aftermath. Three others escaped unharmed, but the house was left badly damaged.
Police and Court React to Horror Blaze
“I can only imagine the fear that engulfed the occupants of that home in the moments following O’Rourke lighting the fire,” said Detective Inspector Lee Townley of Doncaster CID.
“The devastation this incident has caused is huge – a family has been left traumatised. I am pleased with the sentence handed down today. O’Rourke now faces a significant prison term to consider the harm he caused.”
The Backstory and Justice Served
Doncaster Crown Court heard the blaze was sparked after a dispute between O’Rourke and a resident on June 26 last year. Emergency services rushed to the scene at 9.50pm.
O’Rourke, of Beechfield Road, was earlier found guilty of arson recklessly endangering life. He was sentenced on March 5, marking a grim end to a terrifying night for the family involved.
