Fenton Man Locked Up for Stoke Arson Spree
A 54-year-old from Fenton has landed behind bars following a destructive fire rampage across Stoke-on-Trent earlier this year. Tony Stockdale pleaded guilty to four counts of arson, one of which risked lives.
April Blaze Chaos Grips Stoke Streets
- April 23: Wheelie bin outside Longton Snooker Club set ablaze, doused with oil to fuel flames.
- April 25, 9pm: Huge commercial bin torched near The Wheatsheaf pub, Church Street.
- Early April 26: Bin fire near Tesco Express, Hartshill Road, damages nearby fence.
- Later April 26: Multiple fires in alleyways and bins on Boothen Road, Cranmer Street, and Gerrard Street.
Stoke Arsonist Slapped with Over Five Years in Prison
Stockdale was sentenced on 12 November at Stoke-on-Trent Crown Court to five years and four months for arson with intent to endanger life. He received concurrent sentences for the other fires and faces an extended licence of two years and eight months after release.
Police Praise Quick Work in Nabbing Arsonist
CCTV footage swiftly identified Stockdale. Although silent during police interviews, he admitted all charges in court.
Sergeant Colin Hitchins, Staffordshire Police: “Stockdale carried out a substantial and targeted series of arson activities that put himself and the wider public at risk. I’m pleased he admitted his offending and that the judge saw fit to impose a considerable jail term.”
