Arson fiend jailed for life over deadly Reading blaze
Hakeem Kigundu, 32, has been handed a whole life sentence at Reading Crown Court for a horrific fire that killed two men and devastated an entire block of flats.
Fire fury in Reading
On December 15, 2021, Kigundu deliberately set fire to Rowe Court, his own home in Reading. The blaze tore through the building, trapping residents inside and causing extensive damage.
- Two men, Richard Burgess, 46, and Neil Morris, 45, lost their lives.
- Two others were seriously injured.
- All residents lost their homes and possessions.
The chilling motive
Detective Inspector Sally Spencer from Thames Valley Police revealed the dark backstory: “Kigundu was causing antisocial behaviour, playing loud music and games late at night. His landlord served him an eviction notice to leave by December 15—the very day of the fire.”
She added, “He also lost his job, and these blows enraged him. Kigundu bought 50 litres of petrol from several stations before setting the blaze. He even created a sinister email, [email protected], and recorded a chilling audio note saying, ‘all the actions I am about to take are warranted, believe me.’”
Cold-blooded crime
Kigundu poured petrol in the stairwell late at night, knowing residents would be asleep and trapped. After the fire, he handed himself in to police, but the evidence was overwhelming.
“The families of the victims had to wait weeks to recover their loved ones due to the damage,” said DI Spencer. “Our thoughts remain with all affected by this tragedy.”
Kigundu pleaded guilty to two counts of murder, two counts of grievous bodily harm, and one count of arson with intent to endanger life.
