A 71-year-old man has been jailed after taking monkey dust and setting his own house on fire in a bizarre and destructive episode that left a £100,000 trail of damage in a quiet Stoke-on-Trent neighbourhood.
Walter Harrison, described as a long-term offender, pleaded guilty to arson with intent to endanger life at Stoke-on-Trent Crown Court and was sentenced to four-and-a-half years in prison.
The chaos began in the early hours of August 17, 2024, when residents on Churnet View in Leek were alarmed by the sight of Harrison roaming around naked, shouting incoherently and throwing objects. Neighbours also reported smoke coming from his property.
Bedding Set Ablaze
Shortly after the disturbing behaviour, Harrison set fire to bedding inside his home. Prosecutor Emily Andrews told the court the blaze originated from combustible materials on the bed, including a duvet, pillows, and mattress, and was deliberately ignited with a lighter.
The fire quickly spread through the bedroom, living room, and hallway, devastating the property. Emergency services responded, and although Harrison was arrested, he was taken to hospital due to concerns over smoke inhalation and was not immediately interviewed.
Harrison’s dog, Axel, was safely rescued and later cared for by the RSPCA.
Long Criminal History
The court heard Harrison has 23 previous convictions for 53 offences, many of which relate to his chaotic lifestyle and drug use. Defence solicitor Barry White said Harrison had spent most of his life in and out of prison and lacked education or support outside the penal system.
“He is sorry for what happened and appreciates the damage he caused and the risks he posed,” Mr White said. “Perhaps prison has become a second home to him.”
Community Impact
Churnet View is a residential street with mainly elderly residents and a nearby middle school, adding to community concerns over the dangerous incident. The house will now need to be entirely gutted and rebuilt, causing not just financial loss but emotional distress to neighbours.
Judge Trevor Meegan said during sentencing: “There’s around £100,000 worth of damage — that is a loss for the community, a loss of houses for elderly people, which are in need.”
Monkey Dust Fears
The case has once again shone a spotlight on monkey dust, a synthetic drug notorious for causing extreme paranoia, aggression, and hallucinations. Incidents involving the drug have surged in recent years, particularly in parts of the Midlands, raising concerns among police and public health officials.
Authorities continue to urge the public to report any suspected use or distribution of monkey dust, citing the unpredictable and dangerous behaviour it can trigger.
