Car arsonist jailed for causing £256k of damage

David Giddins, 45, from Wimborne was sentenced to four years and eight months in prison

An arsonist who caused more than £256,000 worth of damage during a series of vehicle fires has been jailed.

David Giddins, 45, admitted to committing 20 arsons in the Merley and Broadstone areas of Dorset in May 2023.

The fires damaged 18 vehicles and some buildings. Dorset Police said a further six previous arsons dating back to 2018 that caused £73,000 worth of damage were also taken into consideration.

Giddins, from Wimborne, was jailed at Bournemouth Crown Court on Friday to four years and eight months.

Emergency crews were called to multiple fires in the early hours of 15 May 2023

Vehicles including a BMW X5, two Audi A1s and a motor home were damaged or destroyed in the spate of fires in May 2023.

Giddens was arrested two days after these incidents after officers carried out extensive inquiries in the local area, which included reviewing CCTV footage.

Det Con Neil Hooker said: "The reckless actions of Giddins caused significant and substantial damage and it is extremely lucky that nobody was injured."

Ch Supt Julie Howe added: "Detectives in this case conducted a complex and comprehensive investigation and I am pleased that Giddins is now facing the consequences of his actions.

"These incidents had a real impact on many residents in our communities and I am extremely glad that we were able to get justice for them."