Jail for man who set fire to home with woman inside

An arsonist has been jailed for setting fire to his home while there was a woman inside.

Nottinghamshire Police said Clive Hawker started a fire at his home in Lingmell Close, West Bridgford, in the early hours of 19 July last year, which spread across the porch and front door.

The force said a police officer, among the first to the scene, entered the rear of the smoke-filled house after being told a woman was inside and remained with her in an upstairs bedroom until firefighters arrived.

Hawker was jailed for 11 years and one month when he appeared at Nottingham Crown Court on Monday.

The 55-year-old had admitted charges of arson with intent to endanger life and arson being reckless as to whether life was endangered.

The woman was subsequently taken to hospital to be treated for smoke inhalation and later made a full recovery.

Detectives said their investigation found Hawker had set fire to his home after igniting a blaze in a wheelie bin which then spread to the building.

They said the bin was placed in a way which ensured it quickly spread to the door and blocked the exit of anyone attempting to escape.

Following the sentencing, Judge Nirmal Shant KC made a judicial commendation for PC James Cantrill, who entered the burning house to find the woman.

The judge also handed two neighbours a High Sheriff's award for their bravery after they also entered the building to try to help the woman.

PC Cantrill said: "I managed to gain access to the home and locate the woman through thick smoke.

"She was lying on the floor and in a confused state.

"I'm pleased to have helped her, and she was very grateful.

"It was a great relief to discover she had not suffered serious injury and has made a full recovery."

Det Con Tony Tonks described Hawker as a "dangerous individual" and said the actions of PC Cantrill and the neighbours had helped prevent serious injury to the woman.

"Both PC Cantrill and the two neighbours demonstrated immense bravery in entering a burning building through dense smoke," he said.

"I have no doubt the officer's quick thinking and decision-making saved the woman's life."

Follow BBC Nottingham on Facebook, on X, or on Instagram. Send your story ideas to [email protected] or via WhatsApp on 0808 100 2210.