Two Men Jailed for Sparking £1 Million Sussex Fire Spree
Joshua Brinkley, 20, and Connor Luck, 21, have been slammed with jail sentences after deliberately torching abandoned buildings, barns, farmland, and hay bales across Sussex. Their reckless fires caused over £1.1 million in damage, leaving a trail of destruction and chaos from June to November 2021.
Arson Rampage Hits Horsham and Beyond
The wildfires erupted across multiple locations including Horsham, Wivelsfield Green, Lower Willingdon, Beddingham, Rathfinny in Alfriston, Tarring Neville, Lewes Road in Ringmer, and Litlington Road in Seaford. Investigators confirmed these were deliberate arsons, with Brinkley facing seven counts and Luck two counts of setting fires.
Harsh Sentences for Firestarters
- Brinkley pled guilty and was locked up for three years at Lewes Crown Court.
- Luck got a 21-month suspended sentence, must complete 200 hours unpaid work, 25 rehabilitation days, and wear an electronic curfew for three months.
Devastation and Outrage
“These fires destroyed a whole season’s feed and bedding for animals,” said Detective Constable Emma Arthur-Devennie. “The arsons weren’t targeted – they were done purely for the offenders’ amusement. Thankfully no one was seriously hurt, but it could have been far worse.”
Crime Commissioner Katy Bourne slammed the duo’s “senseless and dangerous” actions, adding she was “relieved no one was badly injured” but saddened by the damage caused to hard-working families and the strain on emergency services. She hopes these sentences send a clear warning to would-be criminals who think they can get away with arson.
