-123953 minute ago
A man from Carlisle has been jailed for four years after he carried out an attempted arson attack at a property in Carlisle.
James Heaney, 27, of Newlaithes Avenue, Carlisle appeared before Carlisle Crown court yesterday morning (9 Oct) where he received a four-year jail term for:
• Attempted arson with intent to endanger life
• Threats to destroy or damage a property
• Malicious communications
The court heard how on 18 June, shortly before 7pm, Cumbria Police received a 999 call from the victim, reporting that Heaney had threatened to burn her house down. He had sent her images of her standing outside her house and made threats during a phone call.
A few minutes later, another call was made to police reporting someone had thrown a ‘petrol bomb’ at the address.
Officers attended and located a broken bottle outside the address with a flannel-like tissue soaked in liquid, believed to be petrol and a lighter.
This was captured on doorbell footage.
Heaney was located and arrested at his home address around thirty minutes later having disposed of the clothing he was wearing.
Investigating officer DC Megan Busby, Carlisle CID, said: “Heaney showed complete disregard for the safety of others that day.
“It is fortunate that we are not dealing with a much worse outcome given the seriousness of the attack.
"We hope today's sentencing sends a clear message to the public that we are committed to prosecuting violent offenders and will continue to do everything in our power to bring them before the courts and ensure justice is served."
James Heaney, 27, of Newlaithes Avenue, Carlisle appeared before Carlisle Crown court yesterday morning (9 Oct) where he received a four-year jail term for:
• Attempted arson with intent to endanger life
• Threats to destroy or damage a property
• Malicious communications
The court heard how on 18 June, shortly before 7pm, Cumbria Police received a 999 call from the victim, reporting that Heaney had threatened to burn her house down. He had sent her images of her standing outside her house and made threats during a phone call.
A few minutes later, another call was made to police reporting someone had thrown a ‘petrol bomb’ at the address.
Officers attended and located a broken bottle outside the address with a flannel-like tissue soaked in liquid, believed to be petrol and a lighter.
This was captured on doorbell footage.
Heaney was located and arrested at his home address around thirty minutes later having disposed of the clothing he was wearing.
Investigating officer DC Megan Busby, Carlisle CID, said: “Heaney showed complete disregard for the safety of others that day.
“It is fortunate that we are not dealing with a much worse outcome given the seriousness of the attack.
"We hope today's sentencing sends a clear message to the public that we are committed to prosecuting violent offenders and will continue to do everything in our power to bring them before the courts and ensure justice is served."