Men Who Set Gatwick Car on Fire Sentenced
Two men have been handed suspended prison terms after stealing a vehicle and torching it near London Gatwick Airport, causing chaos and forcing a monorail closure.
Charity Trip Ends in Crime Spree
Edward Maunder, 37, and Michael Lyons, 28, were due to fly to Peru for charity work. But they ended up stealing a Toyota Rav 4 from a meet-and-greet parking firm. They thought the driver was a drug dealer — a terrible case of mistaken identity.
After stealing the car, the pair set it ablaze under the Gatwick monorail link. The fire forced the temporary shutdown of the crucial transport system linking terminals.
Busted with Petrol and Phone Evidence
Lyons was caught nearby, drunk, with the car key still in his pocket. Maunder was arrested later at Gatwick’s South Terminal. Police discovered video of the arson on Maunder’s phone and CCTV footage showing the pair buying petrol.
Sentenced to Suspended Jail and Fines
- Both admitted arson at Hove Crown Court.
- Lyons also pleaded guilty to vehicle theft.
- They received two-year suspended prison sentences.
- Ordered to complete 300 hours of unpaid work.
- Each must pay £3,000 compensation to the car owner.
- Both banned from driving and must attend rehab sessions.
Detective Sergeant Ian Warncken slammed their “reckless and appalling” actions and praised officers for securing the convictions.
