ETHAN ANDREWS SHEFFORD RABBIT FIRE HORROR: DOMESTIC ABUSER'S REVENGE TERROR

Ethan Andrews, a man born around the year 2000 and residing on Shefford Road in Shefford, was convicted in 2018 of a brutal act of arson that resulted in the tragic death of several beloved pets belonging to his former partner. The incident took place in Shefford, a town in Hertfordshire, and marked a disturbing chapter in his history of domestic abuse and violence.

According to court reports, Andrews deliberately set fire to his ex-girlfriend’s home as an act of revenge following their breakup. The attack was not only malicious but also reckless, as it involved pouring petrol over a rabbit hutch that housed a pet rabbit named Spice, which Andrews knew was cherished by the victim. When he ignited the accelerant, the resulting explosion shattered patio doors and caused extensive damage to the property.

The fire completely destroyed the rabbit hutch, leaving no trace of Spice. Tragically, the blaze also claimed the lives of two other innocent animals: a degu, a small rodent, and later, a family dog. The degu succumbed to smoke inhalation during the incident, and the dog died several months afterward from the same cause, as reported by The Sun on June 11, 2019.

This violent act was directly linked to the breakdown of Andrews’ brief relationship with the victim. She had previously reported that Andrews exhibited controlling and abusive behavior during their time together. Following their separation, Andrews attempted to coerce her into rekindling the relationship, making threats against her and her pets in the process. His actions in July 2018, which culminated in the arson attack, were driven by these threats and his desire for revenge.

Andrews admitted to the charges of arson, acknowledging that he acted recklessly, fully aware that his actions could endanger lives. He also admitted to causing unnecessary suffering to a protected animal, the rabbit. The Hertfordshire Constabulary’s Domestic Abuse Investigation and Safeguarding Unit conducted a thorough investigation into the case.

Detective Constable Colin Workman emphasized the severity of Andrews’ actions, stating, “It is clear from the fire investigation that numerous lives were put at risk by Andrews’ actions, including the life of an unborn baby. Andrews planned this attack to get back at the victim. It was an act of pure callousness to target a rabbit in order to achieve this goal. His deliberate actions caused immense distress and harm to the victim and her family. I hope this sentence today allows them to start putting these terrible events behind them.”

In sentencing, Andrews received a total of 32 months in prison—13 months to be served behind bars and 19 months on license. An additional three months were ordered to run concurrently for the killing of the rabbit. Furthermore, he was subjected to an indefinite restraining order to prevent any contact with the victim or her family, aiming to protect them from further harm.