Kent Arsonist Simon Child Convicted of Murder After Deadly House Blaze
A ruthless arsonist who set fire to a West Malling home, fully aware a pensioner was inside, has been found guilty of murder. Simon Child, 52, doused a property with petrol and sparked a blaze that killed his mother-in-law, 65-year-old Jacqueline Allen.
Fire Set on Purpose to Kill
On the night of 17 November 2018, Child broke into the Spitfire Road house around 9pm. He grabbed petrol containers from a shed and ignited a fire in a lean-to next to the kitchen. Emergency crews found Mrs Allen trapped inside. Despite efforts, she later died in hospital.
Another occupant escaped by jumping from a first-floor window, suffering a fractured toe. Police quickly arrested Child at a nearby address in Hurricane Close. He had court-imposed bans stopping him from approaching the property following a prior assault conviction.
Threats and Violence: A History of Abuse
The Kent and Essex Serious Crime Directorate unearthed a chilling pattern. On the day of the fire, Child threatened to burn down a caravan owned by a man linked to his ex-partner. He also repeatedly told people he would “burn the house down” while bombarding his former partner with abusive calls and messages.
Child denied guilt during police interviews, claiming he was out smoking cannabis in his van when the fire started. However, investigators proved he was absent from his home exactly when the blaze began.
Trial and Verdict
Child faced Maidstone Crown Court, pleading not guilty to murder and attempted murder charges. After a tense trial, he was convicted on both counts on 22 May 2019. He is due to be sentenced on 24 May.
“Simon Child’s actions were deliberate and calculated. He broke into the property knowing Jacqueline Allen and another person were inside before setting a devastating fire,” said Detective Chief Inspector Patrick Milford. “Brave locals tried to rescue them but the fire was too intense. This verdict won’t heal the grief but assures Childs will face many years behind bars.”
Family Speak Out
“There are no words to express the sadness and loss of our beloved mother and grandmother. Jackie would have given her last breath for us and she did that night. Our world was torn apart. We’re trying to rebuild as a family and now need time to grieve,” the family said.
This tragic blaze cuts deep into the Kent community, leaving heartbreak and justice in its wake.
