Man jailed for Premier Inn arson causing £5,000 damage
Daniel Humphrey sentenced for setting fire at Premier Inn in Lewisham
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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.”
What Other Media Are Saying
- BBC News reports on a jilted woman who set fire to a Premier Inn in Haverfordwest after her boyfriend dumped her, resulting in a 32-month jail sentence.(read more)
- MSN reports that a man who set fire to a Premier Inn has been jailed after telling the judge “seven chilling words” during a court hearing.(read more)
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions asked about this news
Who set fire to the Premier Inn hotel?
Daniel Humphrey, 36, set fire to the hotel.
How many guests had to evacuate the Premier Inn hotel?
Around 80 guests had to evacuate.
What was the reason behind the arson attack?
It was a revenge attack for being asked to leave the hotel.
What other crime did Daniel Humphrey commit?
He strangled Gaurav Varma outside a homeless hostel.
How long is Daniel Humphrey’s jail sentence?
He was jailed for two years and three months.