Ex-Con Sets Fire to Sheffield Home After Demanding £280K
John Haase, a Liverpool man recently released on licence after serving half of a 22-year sentence for perverting the course of justice, is back behind bars. The court heard how Haase went on an arson rampage in Sheffield after a hefty money demand was refused.
£280,000 Demand Turns Violent
On 9 March 2020, Haase rocked up at a property in Sheffield’s Whirlow area, demanding £280,000 from the owners. When they refused to hand over the cash, he returned five days later — and set fire to the Range Rover parked outside.
The blaze quickly spread, engulfing the garage and then the house itself, causing extensive damage. Thankfully, the home was empty and no one was hurt.
Police Pin Haase as Arson Suspect
Sheffield CID launched a swift investigation. Detectives linked Haase to the crime through travel records showing his trips to Sheffield matched the dates of the arson attacks.
Haase, 74, was arrested at his Liverpool home on 20 April 2020 and charged with arson with intent. He was remanded in custody pending trial.
Nine Years Added to Haase’s Sentence
After a seven-day trial at Sheffield Crown Court, Haase was found guilty on 14 November 2023. Today, 18 January 2024, he was handed a nine-year sentence for the arson, to run concurrently with his ongoing 22-year sentence for perverting the course of justice.
Two other Liverpool men, John Hayes, 48, and Connor Lewis Jones, 25, have also been charged with arson related to the same incident. Both pleaded not guilty and are scheduled to stand trial at Sheffield Crown Court on 8 July 2024.
