Woman Who Torch Her Own Flat in Gillingham Caged for Over 3 Years
Blaze Sparks Panic in Quiet Neighbourhood
Amie Bray, 32, lit a fire in her Copenhagen Road flat late on 5 May 2025, sending shockwaves through the Gillingham community. The deliberate blaze broke out around 11pm when most residents were fast asleep, putting dozens at serious risk.
Violent Outburst Against Police
Bray didn’t go down quietly. She kicked a police officer and slapped another during her arrest, racking up two assault charges on top of arson. Neighbours watched in horror as emergency crews rushed to contain the flames.
Harsh Jail Term for Dangerous Arsonist
At Maidstone Crown Court on 20 March 2026, Bray pleaded guilty and was slammed with a total 40-month prison sentence. That includes 28 months for arson, two months concurrent for assaulting officers, plus an extra year for breaching a suspended sentence.
Detective Sergeant Emily Matthews said: “Bray’s reckless attempt to deliberately cause a fire in her flat put other residents’ lives at risk, and it is right that she should face the consequences of her actions. Fires can quickly get out of control, especially in a block of flats at night when people are asleep. Her neighbours will certainly feel safer now she is behind bars.”
