Jail for abuser who started seaside hotel fire

A man who attacked a woman and set fire to a bed in a seaside hotel has been jailed.

Aaron Suggitt, 27, of no fixed address, was sentenced to five years in prison, with a three-year extended license, when he appeared at Lincoln Crown Court on Friday.

He had previously pleaded guilty to charges of assault by beating and arson being reckless to endanger life.

Lincolnshire Police said the incident - which it described as "deeply troubling"- happened at Coasters Hotel, on North Parade, in Skegness, at about 05:00 GMT on 11 October.

Officers said the room was destroyed in the blaze.

After the hearing, Det Con Andy Taylor said Suggitt's actions could have had "devastating consequences" for a number of families who had been staying in the hotel.

He added: "It is a relief to know that the quick response from Lincolnshire Fire and Rescue allowed for the safe evacuation of everyone in the hotel, preventing what could have been a tragic outcome.

"Although the physical damage to the property can be repaired, it is important to recognise the significant emotional and psychological impact these incidents may have had on those affected.

"Suggitt's actions demonstrate a concerning disregard for human life, but one fortunate outcome is that no one was injured during the fire."

In addition to the prison sentence, Suggitt was ordered to pay £228 in court charges.

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