Arsonist accused of attempted murder jailed for life

Police said Duncan Hornby poured petrol throughout the home in Faversham

An arsonist who set fire to a house while two people slept upstairs has been jailed for life after being found guilty of attempted murder.

The occupants sleeping upstairs had to jump from the first floor of the property in Faversham, Kent, in order to escape the blaze.

Duncan Hornby, 60, poured petrol throughout the property in the early hours of 6 July, 2023, before setting it alight, Kent Police said.

Det Insp Lee Neiles said: "Hornby behaved in a calculated and evil manner that night, which resulted in a serious house fire in which two people could have easily lost their lives."

After starting the fire, Hornby then had encountered the victims in the back garden after their escape.

The occupants were helped by neighbours before being taken to a local hospital for treatment for minor injuries.

Hornby fled the scene and was found the following day hiding in a bird hut in woodland in nearby Oare, police said.

'Ordeal'

He admitted arson being reckless as to whether life was endangered in respect of the neighbouring houses, but denied attempted murder.

Det Insp Neiles said: "He fled the fire afterwards, rather than face the consequences of his actions, and continued to deny the charges."

That meant the victims were "put through the ordeal of a trial where all the details were replayed to the court", the officer said.

He added: "He must now face a lengthy prison sentence which reflects the seriousness of this crime."

Hornby was sentenced at Maidstone Crown Court on Friday and ordered to serve a minimum of 20 years.