Neath Offender Sentenced to 16 Months for Arson and Retaliation

NEATH OFFENDER SENTENCED TO 16 MONTHS FOR ARSON AND RETALIATION

A man set fire to his ex-partner's clothes and posted a video of the incident on Instagram following the breakdown of their relationship.

Josh Smith also attempted to torch a wheelie bin belonging to a family member of his former girlfriend.

The Swansea Crown Court heard that two days after burning items of his ex's clothing, the 18-year-old defendant deliberately started a fire in the toilets at the Somerset Arms pub in Taibach.

Josh Smith, of Waunceirch, Neath, had previously pleaded guilty to arson and attempted arson when he returned to the dock for sentencing.

For the latest court stories, sign up to our crime newsletter.

With discounts for his guilty pleas, Smith was sentenced to 16 months in a young offenders' institution.

Additionally, he was issued a restraining order banning him from contacting his ex-girlfriend for the next five years.

Speaking after the sentencing, South Wales Police PC John Ryan stated: 'Josh Smith committed these dangerous offences as retaliation following the end of his relationship with his ex-partner and made numerous people fearful for their safety as a result of his actions.' 'We hope he takes the time he will spend at the young offenders' institution to think about his actions and to change his ways.'