Jail for serial arsonist behind Wath blazes

A 23-year-old Rotherham man has been sentenced at Sheffield Crown Court for nine arson attacks he committed in Wath last year.

Brett Dungworth of Bushfield Road, Wath, pleaded guilty in December 2013 and has been handed a six-year prison sentence today at Sheffield Crown Court.

In the early hours of Friday, June 28, residents from Wath reported that the contents of a number of wheelie bins had been set alight and pushed against houses and vehicles in the area.

Det Sgt Craig Britland said: “Brett Dungworth's actions on the night showed a complete disregard for the lives of the occupants at each and every one of these addresses.

“As well as putting residents lives at risk, tens of thousands of pounds of damage was caused to properties and a number of vehicles were completely destroyed.

“Fire is unpredictable and the consequences of starting a fire could be deadly. Only the quick thinking actions of local residents and the emergency services prevented any serious injuries on this occasion.”