A man who set fire to an innocent families home has been jailed for five years
Phillip Humphrey aged 42 of no fixed abode was jailed yesterday at Minshull Street Crown Court after he had previously pleaded guilty to criminal damage and arson (being reckless as to whether life would be endangered)
The court heard how Humphrey met with two friends in Rochdale town centre, drinking shots and mixing alcoholic drinks, before taking the party back to the house he was staying in after being released from prison.
What followed was a misdirected attempt at revenge, which involved setting fire to the home of someone Humphrey believed had done wrong but who was entirely innocent.
In the early hours of the next morning, Friday 17 November 2023, Humphrey attended an address on Oldham Road in Rochdale on three separate occasions. During the first incident, he smashed the windows of the property whilst the owner and her young children were inside.
The police were called, and the family made arrangements to stay in another property, as the incident had made them feel extremely unsafe.
The second time Humphrey returned, he caused further damage to the property by gaining access and on the third occasion, he set a fire which would completely destroy the family’s clothes and belongings, some of which were of significant sentimental value.
The fire was so extreme, it rendered the property inhabitable.
Detective Constable Russ Clarke of Rochdale CID said: “The family who lived at this property have lost everything they own, their clothes and all their belongings, including items of significant sentimental value. The fire devastated the property leaving it uninhabitable.
“The smashing of the windows whilst this family were present caused them severe distress, with the occupant and children believing that somebody was coming inside to harm them. It caused such distress that they decided to leave the property for the night and stay elsewhere in case those responsible returned.
“Humphrey returned twice more, to carry out what can only be described as pre-meditated acts of violence, solely designed to cause terror upon the young family.
“Humphrey evaded the police for over two months before finally being arrested. During his interview, Humphrey denied setting the fire and sought to implicate others, taking no responsibility for his actions. It was only when further evidence was gathered that Humphrey accepted his full involvement and pleaded guilty.
“The impact on this family has been immeasurable and this is clear within the victim impact statement read out at court. They remain homeless and are faced with rebuilding their lives once more. I hope that the conviction of Humphrey provides them with some level of comfort in what continues to be a very difficult time for them.”
