An arsonist who set fire to a house in Faversham while two people slept upstairs has been jailed for life.
In the early hours of Thursday 6 July 2023 Duncan Hornby poured petrol throughout the home before setting it ablaze. The people sleeping upstairs both woke up and had to jump from the first floor in order to escape the fire.
&w=1024&h=366&scale=both&mode=max)
They met Hornby in the back garden and were assisted by neighbours before they were taken to a local hospital for treatment to minor injuries.
Following the fire Hornby disappeared from the scene and emergency services carried out a search to find him. He was found the following day hiding in a bird hut in woodland in Oare, Faversham. The 60-year-old was arrested and later charged with attempted murder and as well as arson with intent to endanger life.
He later admitted arson being reckless as to whether life was endangered in respect of the neighbouring houses but denied the charges of attempted murder.
A trial started on Monday 15 January 2024 and following this the jury found him guilty of attempted murder. He was sentenced at Maidstone Crown Court on Friday 7 September and was handed a life sentence. He must serve a minimum of 20 years before being eligible for parole.
Senior investigating officer Detective Inspector 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.
‘He fled the fire afterwards, rather than face the consequences of his actions and continued to deny the charges. This meant the victims were put through the ordeal of a trial where all the details were replayed to the court.
‘He must now face a lengthy prison sentence which reflects the seriousness of this crime.’