Man jailed for misdirected arson of family's home

Phillip Humphrey has been jailed for five years for criminal damage and arson at a property in Rochdale

A man has been jailed for five years for setting fire to a family's home in a misdirected revenge attack.

Phillip Humphrey, 42, of no fixed abode, Rochdale, torched the home, on Oldham Road, on 17 November 2023, Minshull Street Crown Court in Manchester heard on Tuesday.

The attack was a misdirected act of revenge on someone who Humphrey mistakenly believed had "done wrong", the hearing was told. The blaze rendered the property uninhabitable and left the family homeless.

Humphrey had previously pleaded guilty to criminal damage and arson (being reckless as to whether life would be endangered).

The home was gutted by the blaze, the court heard

The court heard that on the afternoon of 16 November 2023, Humphrey had met with two friends in Rochdale town centre and had drunk shots and mixed alcoholic drinks.

He then continued drinking at the house he was staying in after being released from prison.

In the early hours of the following morning, Humphrey went to the address on three separate occasions, the trial heard.

During the first incident, he smashed the windows of the property while the owner and her young children were inside.

Police were called, and the family relocated to a different property, as the incident had made them feel unsafe.

On Humphrey's second visit, he caused further damage to the property by gaining access and on the third occasion, he started a fire that completely destroyed the family’s belongings, some of which were said to be of sentimental value.

'Pre-meditated'

Det Con Russ Clarke of Rochdale CID said the impact on the family was "immeasurable" and they remained homeless.

“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," he added.

He said Humphrey had carried out what could "only be described as pre-meditated acts of violence, solely designed to cause terror upon the young family".

He said Humphrey had evaded police for more than two months before he was arrested and had initially denied starting the fire, trying to blame others.

"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," Det Con Clarke added.