'Lonely' Eastleigh man set fire to house on Christmas Day

Thomas Russell was rescued from his home in Eastleigh and spent six days in a coma after a drugs-induced breakdown.

His actions put his vulnerable neighbours, aged in their 80s, at serious risk, prosecutor Andrew Houston said.

Southampton Crown Court heard how the 36-year-old spent Christmas Day with his family, before visiting his son and ex-partner in the afternoon.

He then returned to his “empty house” in Allbrook Knoll, where he was left feeling “extraordinarily lonely”, leading him down a path of alcohol and drugs misuse, the court heard.

Eastleigh man Thomas Russell set fire to his house on Christmas Day last year (Image: Hampshire Constabulary) Mr Houston said: “The defendant took a considerable amount of cocaine.

“He knew that he would suffer from psychosis, and he created a risk to himself and to others.”

Mr Houston said there were four “seats of fire” – where the blaze started – in Russell’s home.

The blaze caused significant smoke and water damage to his property, and fire crews from Eastleigh, Winchester and St Mary’s were called to the scene shortly before 11pm.

“The impact on the emergency services was significant”, Mr Houston said.

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He added: “It also caused significant stress to his two elderly neighbours in their 80s, one of which has dementia.”

Hampshire and Isle of Wight Fire Service confirmed a man and a woman were evacuated from the neighbouring property.

Mitigating, Keely Harvey said: “Mr Russell has been affected by this and shows remorse, and this has frightened him to death.

“He wishes to express his thanks to the emergency services who saved his life.”

Russell, of Goodacre Drive, Chandler’s Ford, pleaded guilty to one charge of arson with recklessness as to whether life was endangered.

Passing sentence, Judge Christopher Parker said: “In the cold light of a sober day, you can see the abuse of alcohol and cocaine is not entertaining and has serious consequences.

“You set fire to your home which you worked hard for. Your neighbours were in their 80s, one with dementia, so you knew there was a risk of serious harm to them.”

Russell was handed a sentence of four and a half years.

He will serve half in prison and the remaining half on licence.

Kevin Lyle, head of service investigation team at the fire service, said: "The joint agency collaboration undertaken at this fire, from the initial teams responding to the scene on Christmas Day, to the investigation officers that followed, is common with all suspected arson incidents, whatever the time of year.

“Our close working relationship with Hampshire and Isle of Wight Constabulary demonstrates our commitment to bringing those involved in deliberate fire setting to justice.

“We are understandably pleased about the outcome of this case as it sends a very clear message to people who want to commit arson and endanger the lives of people that they will be punished.”