MAN TRIED TO BURN DOWN HOUSE WITH EX AND HER TWO CHILDREN INSIDE
A man attempted to set fire to his ex-partner’s home while she and her two young children were still inside.Christopher Lane, aged 30, has now been brought to justice for his terrifying actions in St Helens.
Merseyside Police reported that at around 4am on Monday, 18 May last year (2020), emergency services were called to a property in the Clock Face area following reports of arson.
A vehicle had been deliberately torched, resulting in its complete destruction.
The front door of the house had also been set on fire, causing significant damage.
Inside the home at the time were a woman who had recently ended what officers described as a “brief relationship” with Lane and her two children.
Although no one was physically harmed, the ordeal left the mother “extremely distressed,” police confirmed.
Lane, originally from Whiston but of no fixed address, had also issued threats to the woman prior to the attack.
He was later traced to the Warrington area, arrested, and charged with multiple offences.
On Monday, 11 January, at Liverpool Crown Court, he was sentenced to 10 years in prison for arson with intent to endanger life, witness intimidation, and possession of cannabis.
A Merseyside Police spokesperson stated: “Lane had previously been in a brief relationship with the female victim, which she had attempted to end.” Following the sentencing, Detective Constable Lesley Prendergast described the incident as “appalling,” saying it had left the victim traumatised and fearful for both her own life and her children’s safety.
She added: "We believe the front door was set alight as a deliberate attempt to prevent anybody leaving safely, which is just beyond belief.
To do such a thing knowing full well that there were people inside, including young children, is horrendous and thankfully did not result in any injuries or worse.
DC Prendergast explained that Lane’s conduct had stemmed from a pattern of threatening and abusive behaviour during and after the relationship.
"This incident came from a background of threats and behaviour during and following their brief relationship, all of which has had a lasting psychological and emotional impact on the victim and those around her." The court also heard that Lane initially pleaded not guilty, prolonging the legal process and the victim’s distress before changing his plea on the second day of trial.
“Lane further added to the suffering of his victim by initially pleading not guilty, which he changed on the second day of the trial but not before dragging out her ordeal further,” said DC Prendergast.
She praised the woman’s strength throughout the case, saying: "We'd like to take this opportunity to thank her for her bravery and patience as this case progressed, and hope that Lane's significant sentence will provide some comfort as she moves forward in life.
DC Prendergast also addressed the broader issue of domestic abuse: "Domestic abuse can come in many forms, and we have dedicated officers who are specially trained to support victims throughout an investigation.
We work closely with partners, charities and other organisations to break the silence and help those in need.
“We know that many people are aware offences are being committed in their neighbourhood or against people they know, but remain silent.
I want to encourage those people to do the right thing and come forward so we can take action and help those who need it and those who may not be able to help themselves.
“If you are suffering and can find the courage to come forward, or know someone who may be a victim, please reach out to the police, local authority or support agencies and we will take action."
