Arsonist Jailed for Setting Fire to Car in Kent
Sam Murphy, 20, from Neames Forstal, was locked up for two years after admitting arson at Canterbury Crown Court. He and a teenage accomplice set fire to a car outside a house in Whitstable in the early hours of 5 July 2020.
Teenager Also Sent Down for Harassment and Arson
The unnamed teenage boy, sentenced to 18 months, had been harassing a teenage girl for months beforehand. He sent threatening messages and shouted abuse at her in the street. Both he and Murphy smashed a window, poured flammable liquid inside the victim’s relative’s car, and then set it ablaze.
Firefighters Stop Blaze from Spreading
Kent Fire and Rescue Service quickly put out the fire before it could spread to nearby buildings. Police treated the fire as suspicious and secured CCTV footage showing two people smashing the car window. Witnesses helped identify the pair, with Murphy’s vehicle linked to the scene.
Swift Police Action Leads to Arrest
Officers found Murphy and the teen in the Wincheap area later that day, inside a car containing petrol cans and the crowbar used in the attack. Both were arrested on the spot and are now subject to a five-year restraining order banning contact with the victim or her family.
Detective Constable Jamie Crouch said: “This was a completely reckless crime. Thanks to the fire service’s quick response, no one was injured, but it must have terrified the local residents.”
“These offenders showed no concern for who they hurt or what they damaged. I’m pleased we arrested them the same night.”
“If anyone is being harassed or threatened, I urge you to contact us immediately. We will protect you and stop things from getting worse.”
