A MAN who started a fire in his girlfriend’s house close to a gas and electrical mains while she and her daughter were inside has been jailed.
Police have welcomed the sentencing of Stephen Buckley following the arson in Newton-le-Willows last year.
Buckley, 36, pleaded guilty to arson and was jailed at Liverpool Crown Court on Tuesday, May 2.
Fire started close to gas mains
On Tuesday, December 20, 2022, Buckley deliberately started the fire in the downstairs of his girlfriend’s house before fleeing the property.
The victim, along with her teenage daughter, were upstairs and only became aware of the fire after smelling smoke coming from downstairs.
Thankfully they managed to get out of the house unharmed, but were left shaken by the incident.
Following police inquiries, Buckley was later arrested and charged with arson, to which he later pleaded guilty.
Buckley, of Lord Street, Southport, was sentenced to four year and nine months in prison.
Detective Chief Inspector Allison Woods said: “It is pleasing to see that Buckley has been given a custodial sentence to reflect the seriousness of his actions.
“To deliberately start a fire inside a house, knowing that there are people inside, is utterly appalling and it’s only down to good fortune that the two occupants were unharmed.
“Buckley started a fire in close proximity to a gas and electrical mains box, so it was incredibly reckless and dangerous. He not only endangered the lives of the two people inside the house, but also neighbouring properties.
"Domestic abuse can come in many forms, and we have dedicated officers who are specially trained to support victims throughout an investigation. We work closely with partners, charities and other organisations to break the silence and help those in need.
“We know that many people are aware offences are being committed in their neighbourhood or against people they know, but remain silent. I want to encourage those people to do the right thing and come forward so we can take action and help those who need it and those who may not be able to help themselves.
“If you are suffering and can find the courage to come forward, or know someone who may be a victim, please reach out to the police, local authority or support agencies and we will take action.
“Merseyside Police is committed to working together with communities and partner agencies to tackle all violence against women and girls (VAWG) in Merseyside.”
How to report domestic abuse
If you are experiencing domestic abuse there is a range of help available from specially trained officers in the forces Protecting Vulnerable People Unit, to IDVAs (Independent Domestic Violence Advisors) and numerous charities and organisations across Merseyside.
If you can find the courage to come forward and report it, there are people ready to support you and treat you with compassion, respect and care.
To report domestic abuse you can contact @MerPolCC, report online - Report domestic abuse | Merseyside Police, via 101, or the independent charity Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111. In an emergency you should always call 999.
There are also a number of support organisations that we work with: https://www.merseyside.police.uk/advice/advice-and-information/daa/domestic-abuse/support-organisations/
If you live in the St Helens area, support is also offered by the St Helens DA Safe2Speak group. They support victims of domestic abuse living in St Helens and you can access specialist advice and guidance by calling 01744 743200 (Mon-Fri 9am to 5pm) or if it’s out of hours or you need emergency accommodation you can call their 24hr helpline on 01925 220541. Their website is: www.safe2speak.co.uk
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here