A Birmingham arsonist who started a devastating fire in his flat by knocking over a candle has been jailed for four and a half years, after the blaze caused around £500,000 in damage and left neighbours requiring hospital treatment.
Details of the Dangerous Incident
William McDonalgh, aged 34, was understood to have accidentally overturned a candle in his flat located on Islington Row in Birmingham, sparking a significant fire in the early hours of January 14 last year. The incident quickly escalated, putting multiple residents at severe risk.
Consequences for Residents and Property
Several residents suffered from smoke inhalation and required hospital treatment as a result of the fire, with some experiencing lasting impacts from the traumatic event. The block of flats sustained extensive damage, estimated at approximately £500,000, highlighting the severe financial and structural toll of the blaze.
Police reports indicate that McDonalgh started the fire and then left the flat without alerting any of his neighbours to the imminent danger. Upon returning about ten minutes later, he observed the flames and attempted to re-enter the property, only to be overcome by smoke himself.
Legal Proceedings and Sentencing
McDonalgh was subsequently charged and pleaded guilty to a charge of arson at Birmingham Crown Court. On January 27, he was sentenced to four and a half years in prison, marking a significant legal outcome for the case.
Police Statement on the Case
Detective Constable Sonia Bahia, of Bournville Lane CID, commented on the severity of the incident, stating: “This fire could easily have resulted in a loss of life and traumatised the victims involved. It is only proper the man who caused it and chose not to alert his flatmates has now been jailed for a number of years.”
The case underscores the critical importance of fire safety and the legal repercussions for actions that endanger others. Authorities continue to emphasise the need for vigilance in residential settings to prevent such dangerous occurrences.
