MAN CONVICTED FOR FIRE ATTACK ON EX-PARTNER'S HOME IN SALFORD
Update 10/11/2025: Nicholas Martin, 63, was jailed for 30 years today (Monday 10 November 2025) at Manchester Minshull Street Crown Court.On October 22 2024, at around 5:10am, Martin poured petrol through the letterbox of his ex-partner’s house and set it alight before leaving the area.
The woman, who jumped out of a first-floor window to safety, fortunately survived the attack but suffered two broken ankles and a broken vertebrae in her back from the jump.
...............................................................................................................................................................................................................
A man responsible for a chilling attempt to kill his former partner by setting fire to her home while she was asleep has been found guilty of attempted murder.
Nicholas Martin, aged 63, poured petrol into the letterbox of her residence in Worsley, Salford, and ignited it during the night.
The woman was lucky to survive; she heard the letterbox rattling and leaped from a first-floor window to escape, as reported by Manchester's Minshull Street Crown Court.
Martin, who initially denied involvement, was also convicted of assault causing actual bodily harm and will be sentenced on 10 November.
Court evidence revealed that Martin, of Eccles, had been in a relationship with the woman since 2019.
In August 2021, during a trip to Scotland, he subjected her to a violent attack, shaking her, hitting her against the walls and floor, and preventing her from leaving the room, resulting in multiple bruises.
On 14 September 2024, Martin was charged with assault causing actual bodily harm and released on strict bail conditions to reside in Leicester, avoid her address, and refrain from contact.
Nevertheless, he breached these conditions on 21 October 2024 by traveling to Worsley, checking into a hotel, and waiting until late at night to set the fire.
The following morning, he checked into another hotel in the Lake District to evade police arrest.
His ex-partner sustained serious injuries, breaking both ankles and a back vertebra as she jumped to escape the blaze.
Martin was arrested the next day at the Lake District hotel, where authorities found a petrol can.
Although he admitted to setting the fire, he claimed he had no intention of harming his ex-partner.
Abbie Clarke of the Crown Prosecution Service described his actions as a "vile act," emphasizing that Martin meticulously planned and carried out a terrifying attempt to kill her.
The court was told that her life was nearly lost and that Martin's behaviour was malicious and sinister.
