Two Sentenced to Life Over Woolwich Arson Murder
Two men have been handed life sentences today at the Old Bailey for a brutal arson attack that killed 46-year-old Memunatu Warne in Woolwich.
Fire Set From Outside – Woman Perishes in Flames
William “Billy” Smith, 26, and Elliott Robinson, 22, both with no fixed address, were convicted for the deadly blaze started deliberately with petrol outside the family home.
- Smith was told to serve at least 32 years for murder, along with 12 years each for two counts of GBH and 5 years for perverting justice, all concurrent sentences.
- Robinson received a minimum of 31 years for murder and 12 years for GBH charges, also concurrent.
The fire erupted near the front door while Mrs Warne was asleep downstairs. Her cousins, a man in his 60s and a woman in her 50s, tried to save her but had to jump from an upstairs window due to thick smoke, suffering serious injuries.
Foul Play Uncovered – Drugs Dispute Motive
Emergency crews rushed to the blaze at 1.23am but could not save Mrs Warne, found dead in the first-floor bedroom. A post-mortem revealed she died from smoke inhalation.
Witnesses reported seeing a man, as a pillion passenger on a motorbike, set the fire before speeding away from Centurion Square.
Homicide detectives launched a swift investigation, identifying Smith as the likely organiser. The arson stemmed from a drugs dispute involving a family member connected to Mrs Warne’s cousins.
