PETERBOROUGH — Live News A furious man who torched Christmas decorations at a Cambridge youth...

Published: 7:46 am March 17, 2026
Updated: 1:56 pm March 17, 2026
Cambridge Arsonist Nabbed After Setting Christmas Decorations Ablaze image

A furious man who torched Christmas decorations at a Cambridge youth hostel has been slammed back behind bars.

Repeat Offender Sparks Blaze Days After Release

Nigel Hensby, 27, had barely left prison after a nine-month stint for knife possession and public disorder when he struck again. On December 5 last year, the Norwich man showed up at the Cambridge Youth Foyer in Rustat Close demanding a mobile phone from his ex-partner.

Staff refused him entry. Furious, Hensby threatened to smash down the door and petrol bomb the building. The staff member quickly hid in an office and called police.

Christmas Decorations Set Alight, No Injuries

When the coast was clear, Hensby had already set fire to Christmas decorations in the reception using a lighter before fleeing the scene.

Fortunately, no one was hurt.

Fast Police Response and Jail Sentence

Hensby was caught less than an hour later on Station Road, Cambridge. He admitted starting the fire to officers.

On Tuesday, March 10, Peterborough Crown Court sentenced Hensby to two years for arson with recklessness as to whether life was endangered.

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Topics :Police

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