Arson Rampage Near Stockbury Ends in Prison for Sittingbourne Man
A blazing attack at a private site near Stockbury has landed a Sittingbourne man behind bars. William Smith, 29, stormed a static caravan off the A249 at 6.20am on May 5, 2018, with two relatives. The caravan housed two men and two women who knew him.
Caravan Set Alight After Door Smashed
Smith smashed the caravan door, then doused the interior with petrol and set it ablaze. The terrified occupants escaped and were later found standing on a grass verge beside the A249. Armed police and firefighters rushed to the scene and put out the flames. The caravan was gutted, and two vans nearby were damaged.
Swift Arrest and Harsh Sentences
Smith was arrested on the spot; his two relatives fled but were later caught. On October 30, 2018, at Maidstone Crown Court, Smith pleaded guilty to violent disorder and reckless arson endangering life. On June 11, 2019, he was sentenced to seven years and four months behind bars.
Other Ringleaders Also Sentenced
- William Smith, 29, of Miller Close, Kemsley, pleaded guilty to affray and was jailed for 19 months on December 21, 2018.
- Eli Smith, 23, of Lewis Close, Faversham, admitted violent disorder and received a 2 year 9 month sentence.
Detective Chief Inspector Chris Greenstreet said: “This was a very violent incident and it is only chance that nobody in the caravan was seriously injured. The victims would have feared for their safety until the arrival of emergency services and a lengthy prison sentence is entirely appropriate.”
