'Dangerous' arsonist who set cars on fire jailed

David Jenkins was "remorseful" for his actions, but was a "dangerous offender", a judge said

A man who caused "considerable damage" by setting fire to 12 cars has been jailed.

David Jenkins, 32, burnt the vehicles in Hartlepool in February and August last year, setting eight cars alight on the night of 18 August.

Teesside Crown Court heard there was "no real explanation" for what was going on in his mind when he committed the offences.

His actions had a "profound and long-lasting effect", a judge said.

The court heard Jenkins, of Lime Crescent in Hartlepool, had been drinking when he committed the offences.

A number of homes had to be evacuated when the cars were set on fire in August.

The value of the burnt cars varied, the court was told.

A number of homes in the town had to be evacuated when the cars were set on fire

Judge Jonathan Carroll said the incidents had a "profound impact" on the emergency services, who were not available to the community for other emergencies in the area.

The court heard Jenkins had post traumatic stress disorder, but Judge Carroll said it did not explain the offending and he did not see "link to any mental health issues".

Judge Carroll said he accepted Jenkins was "remorseful" and regretted what he did, but added he was a "dangerous offender".

Jenkins pleaded guilty to 12 counts of arson and was sentenced to a total of seven years, with five years in custody and two years extended on licence.

Following the sentencing, Cleveland Police's Simon Lowther said: “This spate of arson was dangerous and destructive, causing thousands of pounds' worth of damage and fear in the community.

"Jenkins endangered the lives of those living in these areas, with the risk of the fires spreading to houses nearby.”