Arson Fiend Sets Bristol Nightspot Alight in Fiery Warning
Owen Marshall, 29, from Royate Hill, Bristol, erupted in a wave of terror after torching the SWX nightclub with a petrol-soaked towel stuffed through its letterbox. Just two months earlier, he had delivered a chilling letter threatening to “burn” the venue down.
CCTV Snaps Suspect Targeting Mayor and Pubs
The day after the blaze, July 14, Marshall was caught on camera dropping a letter at Bristol Mayor Marvin Rees’ home. In the note, he claimed responsibility for the arson and warned other venues they could be next.
His rampage didn’t stop there. On July 28, he smashed a brick through the window of the Barley Mow pub on Barton Road. Attached was a handwritten note blasting vaccine passports as a “breach of human rights.”
Days later, on August 2, another nightclub, Lakota, received a threatening letter promising “substantial damage like SWX” if it introduced Covid passports.
Public Appeal and Forensic CCTV Lead to Arrest
The investigation scoured hundreds of hours of CCTV around Nelson Street nightclub. Detectives traced the arsonist’s movements to a shop on Fishponds Road where he bought matches before starting the fire.
After a public appeal, police identified and arrested Marshall. Initially denying all charges, he later pleaded guilty at Bristol Crown Court in September.
Guilty Plea Seals Fate in December Sentencing
- Arson reckless as to whether life endangered
- Criminal damage
- Making threats to cause criminal damage
Marshall was sentenced for the three offences at Bristol Crown Court on Wednesday, December 8.
