DANIEL KERWOOD'S BRUTAL ARSON IN WHITBY LEADS TO FIVE-YEAR PRISON SENTENCE

Daniel Kerwood, a convicted sex offender from Whitby, has been sentenced to a term of five years in prison after deliberately setting fire to his partner’s residence, endangering not only her but also others in the vicinity. The incident, which took place in Whitby, has left a lasting impact on those involved and has raised serious concerns about his dangerousness and the safety of the community.

According to court proceedings, Kerwood, aged 39, intentionally ignited a fire within a bedroom of a semi-detached house in Whitby. The act was carried out under the guise of taking a walk with his dogs, a ruse that concealed his true intent. Prosecutor Richard Holland, presenting the case at York Crown Court, detailed how Kerwood’s actions put multiple lives at risk. The fire quickly spread, prompting emergency services to respond swiftly to contain the blaze.

Unaware of the danger until the smoke alarms sounded and flames became visible, three residents in the neighboring property, including a young child, were caught off guard. They had no idea that the fire was deliberately set until they saw the smoke and heard the alarms. The fire brigade was called to the scene, and the partner of Kerwood, who had been out shopping and walking her dogs, returned home to find her house engulfed in flames. She described her emotional turmoil in court, revealing that she now suffers from nightmares related to fires, is on anti-depressants, and fears that Kerwood, once released from prison, might attempt to contact her again.

Judge Sean Morris, the Recorder of York, addressed the court and emphasized the bravery of the firefighters who risked their lives to enter the burning house and extinguish the flames before they could spread further. The fire was contained before it could reach the neighboring property, where the young child was present. The judge expressed his concern over Kerwood’s apparent lack of insight into the gravity of his actions, stating, “You have no insight into what you did. I have to consider whether that makes you dangerous. I am just of the view… you are not yet dangerous. This arises out of your besottedness with your partner.”

Kerwood, who was formerly residing in Whitby but now has no fixed address, denied the charge of arson with recklessness as to whether life was endangered. However, a jury at York Crown Court found him guilty earlier this year. It was also revealed that Kerwood is a registered sex offender, with a conviction unrelated to the current case, which adds further concern to his profile.

During the sentencing hearing, Kerwood’s defense attorney, Glenn Parsons, argued that his client might have attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), and possibly autism, with a low IQ and learning difficulties. Parsons highlighted that individuals with such limitations are often vulnerable and more susceptible to manipulation or victimization, especially within the prison system. He also pointed out that Kerwood had previously been assaulted while in custody, suggesting a pattern of victimization.

The victim, Kerwood’s partner, expressed her devastation at the incident, stating, “I was absolutely devastated when I saw my house was on fire. I was distressed not only by losing my own belongings but also my daughter’s belongings and my home as well.” She has since secured new accommodation but has incurred costs exceeding £1,300 to replace furniture and other essential items lost in the fire.

Prosecutor Richard Holland added that Kerwood had previously violated a domestic violence protection order intended to safeguard the woman. Furthermore, Kerwood had lied to police, claiming he had been assaulted earlier that day, and had sent messages to an acquaintance supporting this falsehood before setting the fire. He even suggested that an unknown attacker might have started the blaze, attempting to shift blame away from himself. These actions underscore the malicious intent behind the arson and the ongoing threat Kerwood poses to the safety of those around him.