Caught Red-Handed at City Centre Hostel
A Swansea man has been locked up after deliberately sparking a fire in a city centre supported accommodation. Matthew Draper, 40, set a locker on fire inside The Wallich hostel, where vulnerable residents with complex needs live. Draper used an accelerant to ignite the blaze and then stayed to watch the fire spread, putting others in danger.
Arson with Reckless Endangerment
The 40-year-old pleaded guilty to arson and arson with recklessness as to whether life was endangered. He was sentenced to 27 months behind bars.
Police Warn About Dangerous Behaviour
“Idiotic behaviour like that shown by Matthew Draper could have resulted in serious injury or even lives being lost on that day,” said PC Gareth Bennett. “This was completely reckless behaviour and it cannot be tolerated.” “He is clearly a danger to society and prison is the best place for him.”
