Stephen Dale, 47, has been sentenced to 19 years in prison for the manslaughter of Daniel Gardner, 36, in a fatal arson attack at Highters Heath. Dale doused the door of Gardner's flat on Saxons Way with petrol and set it alight in the early hours of September 19 last year, acting on a grudge against his girlfriend's ex-partner. The victim had no escape route and tragically died in the blaze, while a neighbour had to be evacuated by firefighters.
Court Proceedings and Sentencing
At Birmingham Crown Court, Dale was found guilty of manslaughter and arson being reckless as to endanger life. His accomplice Tyler Phythian, 19, was sentenced to four years detention for his role in the attack. Judge Andrew Smith KC said Dale had acted on unsubstantiated claims about Gardner's treatment of children he shared with Dale's current partner. "There is, I observe, absolutely no evidence to suggest that was true," the judge stated.
Details of the Attack
The court heard that Dale intended to frighten Gardner rather than kill him, but the judge noted the victim's final moments would have been terrifying. "This must have been a terrifying experience before his collapse," Judge Smith said. Dale will serve two-thirds of his sentence - approximately 12 years and eight months - before being considered for release.
