Stalker set fire to campervan while his ex slept inside

Kenneth Jones, 64, has been sentenced to 11 years and six months in prison after setting alight to the campervan in Alderton, having stalked his victim in the build-up to the incident.

Jones’ ex and her new partner were sleeping inside the campervan at the time of the attack, with police saying it was a “miracle” they were not killed.

DC Allun Johnson said: "It is a miracle no one was either seriously injured or killed due to Jones' atrocious actions.

"His unacceptable behaviour escalated from damaging the victim's car on multiple occasions, turning up unannounced at her address, stalking her in his vehicle and culminated in him endangering both her and her partner's lives.

"Stalking is not flattering - it's unwanted and unwarranted behaviour that causes fear and these actions can have a devastating impact.

"I would like to thank the victims who have been incredibly strong and brave, and worked with us throughout our investigation.”

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Kenneth Jones, 64, had stalked his victim in the build up to the arson

On February 18 of this year, Jones travelled from his home in Dames Road in Wanstead, London, and hired a car in Cheltenham before filling up a two-litre soft drink bottle with fuel at a petrol station.

He then drove to Alderton, near Tewkesbury, and set the campervan alight at around midnight.

A nearby neighbour, who was awake and trying to settle their baby, had spotted the flames and quickly alerted the couple, who had been asleep inside.

Gloucester Crown Court heard how Jones had stalked the victim, who he had previously been in a relationship with, in the lead up to the arson.

Detectives traced his previous journeys which showed Jones had travelled into the county on several occasions and repeatedly damaged his ex-partner's car.

His actions caused tens of thousands of pounds worth of damage to the campervan and other vehicles.

Jones was subsequently charged with stalking involving fear of violence, several counts of criminal damage, and arson with intent to endanger life.

He had admitted arson but denied it was with intent to endanger life and so faced a trial at Gloucester Crown Court, where he was found guilty by a jury.

Temp Det Supt Richard Pegler, domestic abuse lead, said: "This was a high-quality investigation which has prevented further serious harm to the victims, and which has been reflected in the sentence.

"DC Johnson and his team have worked tirelessly to pursue this dangerous man, and let this be a warning to any man who thinks he has the right to stalk and control their partner or ex-partner."

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On Wednesday, August 17, Jones was sentenced to 11 years and six months for arson with intent to endanger life and 26 weeks for stalking and criminal damage, to run concurrently.

He was also given a life-long restraining order for him not to contact directly or indirectly the victims and has been banned from entering Cheltenham and Alderton.