HUDDERSFIELD ARSONIST TYLER FLANAGAN JAILED FOR MANSLAUGHTER OF GRANDMOTHER
A young man responsible for setting a house fire that resulted in the death of a vulnerable elderly woman has received a prison sentence of 13 and a half years.Tyler Flanagan was convicted of the manslaughter of Julia Flynn, aged 74, who succumbed after her home in Huddersfield was deliberately set ablaze during a spree of fires last year, as heard in court proceedings at the Old Bailey on Friday (31 July).
At 20 years old, Flanagan was described in court via a video link—also played in Leeds Crown Court—as someone who was wandering the streets with the intent to steal and cause damage.
He identified Mrs.
Flynn’s residence on Leeds Road around 11:30 pm, a house equipped with aid features like grab rails and shallow steps, designed to help the elderly pensioner, who was too frail to climb stairs and slept on the ground floor, according to prosecutor Chloe Hudson.
He deliberately ignited a fire at the rear porch of her home and then left the scene.
Mrs.
Flynn, unable to escape, inhaled smoke and was rescued from her house but tragically did not survive her injuries, passing away days later in hospital.
Following the incident, Flanagan cycled approximately four miles to Huddersfield Road, where he set fire to an outhouse on another property.
Fortunately, the fire brigade responded swiftly and managed to prevent the fire from spreading to the main house, Hudson added.
Later on, Flanagan attempted to break into other homes, as recorded on CCTV, by trying various doors.
He also stole a radio from a Renault Clio vehicle, which he additionally damaged by setting fire to it.
He was apprehended early on June 18 by police on Huddersfield Road, possessing black gloves, a knife, and a lighter.
Detective Chief Inspector Heather Whoriskey commented on Flanagan's dangerousness, expressing relief that he had been jailed, emphasizing that he had not provided an explanation for his destructive actions, which ultimately cut short Mrs.
Flynn’s life and jeopardized others’ safety.
During his trial in December of the previous year, Flanagan admitted to manslaughter and was charged with reckless arson endangering life, damaging property through arson, attempted burglary, possession of a blade, and criminal damage.
However, he was found not guilty of murder and arson with intent to endanger life.
Mrs.
Flynn’s family, including her two daughters, shared their pain, stating they suffer from depression and anxiety following her death.
A statement read over a video-link described their close relationship with her and how her loss has profoundly changed their lives.
Police issued a family statement expressing their trauma and describing Flanagan as an extremely dangerous individual who would have continued to harm others had he not been arrested.
Appearing via video from HMP Hull, Flanagan, wearing a grey T-shirt and with a scruffy beard, remained silent as Mr.
Justice Murray sentenced him to an extended term of 18 years and six months, which includes 13 years and six months in custody, to be served mainly in a young offenders institution.
The court also indicated he will serve two-thirds of this sentence before being eligible for parole, citing the significant risk he poses to public safety.
