Husband Found Guilty of Setting Fiery Death Trap for Estranged Wife
Damion Simmons, 45, a man with no fixed address, was convicted at the Old Bailey on Tuesday, 31 August, for deliberately torching his estranged wife’s home. He faces sentencing on 22 September.
Arson Horror in Early Hours
The jury heard how Simmons intentionally set fire to a residential house on Alric Avenue during the early morning of 16 April 2020. Denise Keane-Simmons, 36, was inside at the time, suffering severe burns and smoke inhalation. She tragically died in hospital hours later.
Campaign of Abuse Ends in Tragedy
The couple had been married since 2019 but separated months before Denise’s death. Following their split, Simmons launched a relentless campaign of abuse and torment against Denise.
- On the evening before the fire, Simmons posted an intimate photo of Denise on Instagram.
- At 10:31pm, CCTV caught him buying petrol at a Hornsey Rise station.
- Police visited Denise’s home shortly after midnight, after she reported the Instagram post.
- Simmons then travelled to Harlesden, lurking near Denise’s address.
Fire Set with Deadly Intent
CCTV footage showed Simmons pouring petrol through the house letterbox at 2:10am. He smashed a glass window with a wooden panel and climbed inside. The fire rapidly engulfed the property.
Firefighters found Denise badly injured upstairs. Despite efforts, she died at 6:07am. A post-mortem confirmed severe burns and smoke inhalation as the cause of death, revealing that Simmons had poured petrol over her body.
A female friend in her 60s, who was also in the house, escaped by jumping from a bedroom window. Thankfully, she avoided serious injury.
Killer’s Lies and Police Statement
Simmons was found in the garden beneath a bathroom window, apparently having jumped from the property himself. He was arrested with minor burns and told police he only intended to harm himself.
Detective Chief Inspector Neil John condemned the actions. He said:
“My thoughts remain with Denise’s family and friends. Today’s verdict brings some comfort — her killer has been brought to justice. Simmons’s actions were calculated and selfish. He set out not to kill himself, but to kill Denise, cruelly ending her future and endangering others in the building.”
He added a stark warning:
“This is extreme domestic violence. Anyone in such a relationship should contact police or support organisations for help and protection.”
A referral to the Independent Office for Police Conduct has been made regarding previous police contact with Denise. The investigation’s findings are awaited.
