A 41-year old man has been sentenced to more than six years in prison after deliberately setting fire to his flat in Tunbridge Wells.
In statements from Kent Police, they described how a Mr Ryan James ignited two separate fires in his home on Dudley Road on 24 August 2024. He then chose to lock the front door and left the property.
At Maidstone Crown Court, Mr James pleaded guilty to the charge of “arson with recklessness as to whether life was endangered” under the Criminal Damage Act of 1971. He received a prison term of six years and three months, followed by a three-year licence period once eligible for parole.
Fire alarms activated during the incident, alerting both residents and emergency services. Two neighbours attempted to enter the flat, believing James was still inside, but were forced to evacuate due to the danger. Kent Fire and Rescue Service subsequently entered the property and extinguished the fires.
Court details revealed that James had visited his gym an hour prior to the fire and stored personal items in a locker there. When arrested on 26 August 2024, he was found carrying the front door keys.
Detective Constable Celia King described the incident as “a reckless and vindictive act that endangered the lives of everyone in the building.” She added: “James selfishly locked the door behind him, making it harder to stop the fire and causing further damage. His courageous neighbours risked their own lives to save him, thinking he may have been trapped inside. Thankfully, there were no injuries and I’m glad to see that James will suffer the consequences of his actions.”
