Man jailed for Premier Inn arson causing £5,000 damage

A man who committed arson at a Premier Inn hotel has been sentenced to over two years in prison. Daniel Humphrey, 36, ignited a fire on the carpet near the hotel’s entrance in Lewisham, south east London, on 8 July. This act forced 80 guests to evacuate as the flames reached two feet high. Prosecutor Margia Mostafa described the situation, stating, “The flames and smoke blocked the entrance, making the fire exit the only escape route.”

The police were called, and the hotel had to be cleared. The fire caused approximately £5,000 in damage. The prosecution suggested that Humphrey’s actions were in retaliation for being asked to leave the hotel.

Humphrey dragged the burning carpet outside, where it continued to blaze on the street, as heard at the Old Bailey. He also attacked Gaurav Varma outside the St Mungo’s homeless hostel in Arlington Close, Lewisham, on 11 June.

Both men resided at the hostel. Mr Varma recounted that he was socialising with friends outside when Humphrey approached him, making threats and using a racial slur. Humphrey threatened to kill him and put a bullet in his head before strangling him for a minute and a half.

A restraining order now prohibits Humphrey from contacting Mr Varma or visiting the Premier Inn or St Mungo’s in Lewisham for seven years. Humphrey, who has no fixed address, admitted to arson and intentional strangulation. He has 10 prior convictions, including battery and assaulting an emergency worker.

Judge Anthony Leonard, KC, noted that around 80 guests had to evacuate through the rear exit due to the flames. When the Fire Brigade arrived, Humphrey watched the fire from the side area. He was sentenced to two years and three months in prison, during which he remarked to the judge, “Belmarsh is a step up from homelessness.”