A convicted arsonist has been sentenced to 13 years in prison after setting a £1.8 million fire at a car recovery site in Cambridgeshire in a desperate attempt to destroy drug evidence.
The Crime
Charlie Martinson, 34, of Crescent Avenue, Grays, Essex, was found guilty of arson with recklessness as to whether life was endangered at Cambridge Crown Court on Friday (February 9).
On February 24, 2023, at 5:30 am, Martinson entered Enfield’s Recovery Yard in Eaton Socon and deliberately set fire to a Luton van that contained £500,000 worth of cannabis.
The blaze quickly spread, destroying 28 other vehicles, including some seized as evidence in major police investigations.
Extensive Damage and Collapsed Roof
The fire was so intense that the roof of the warehouse partially collapsed, causing catastrophic structural damage to the facility.
Among the vehicles destroyed were:
- Evidence in an attempted murder investigation
- Cars linked to a burglary series and a robbery
- Nine vehicles awaiting forensic examination for serious and fatal collisions
Detective Constable Lauren Kirkup explained the severity of the destruction:
“This included vehicles linked to serious investigations, meaning some family members may never get justice for their lost loved ones.
The owner of the vehicle recovery site, who had spent 23 years building the business, has been left financially crippled, with losses estimated to exceed £1.8 million.
Police Investigation and Arrest
CCTV footage captured Martinson and others breaking into the site before he used a petrol container to ignite the fire. Police later traced the car he used during the crime.
When arrested, Martinson refused to answer any questions but was charged with arson and brought to trial.
Sentencing and Judge’s Remarks
Judge Philip Grey sentenced Martinson to 13 years in prison, with an additional four years on licence.
He described the case as one of “organised, brazen criminality” and a “determined attempt to destroy evidence”.
Firefighter and Police Response
Crews from Cambridgeshire and Bedfordshire Fire Services battled the massive blaze. Images from the scene show firefighters tackling flames, with smoke billowing from the site and vehicles reduced to charred shells.
Det Con Kirkup added:
“This was a reckless crime that endangered lives, devastated a local business, and destroyed crucial evidence in multiple serious investigations.”
Police Appeal for Information
Authorities are still investigating possible accomplices involved in the crime. Anyone with information is urged to contact Cambridgeshire Police on 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
