Arsonist torched his own house after break-up

A man has been jailed for arson after he set fire to his own house following a break-up with his girlfriend.

Emergency services were called to the fire at Daniel Willerton's home in Birchwood, Orton Goldhay, Peterborough, on the evening of 4 October 2021.

Police discovered Willerton, 47, had broken up with his girlfriend the previous day and had turned aggressive after getting no replies to text messages he had sent that afternoon.

He poured accelerant on his laptop and around the living room before lighting it and leaving the house, sending a text saying “house burning down now”.

Willerton then made a string of abusive phone calls, and made comments such as “I hope you’re happy, this is your fault” and “The next time you hear from me I’ll be in a prison cell”.

Firefighters contained the blaze within about half an hour and before it spread to any other properties, but the damage to Willerton’s home was extensive.

On Monday, Willerton was jailed for four-and-a-half years after previously admitting arson with recklessness as to endanger life.

Det Con Angus Cashman said: “Willerton’s actions were incredibly selfish and dangerous. Thanks to immediate reports from neighbours and the quick response of our colleagues at the fire service, the fire was under control before it spread.

“The sentence given shows the seriousness of this crime, which I hope sends out a clear message to the public.”

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