Stalker who set fire to campervan with ex-partner inside is jailed

A man has been jailed after he stalked his ex-partner and then set fire to a campervan while she was asleep inside it with her new partner. 

Kenneth Jones, aged 64, was sentenced to 11 years and six months in prison.

In February this year he travelled from his home in Dames Road in Wanstead, London, hired a car in Cheltenham and then went to a petrol station and filled up a 2 litre soft drink bottle with fuel.

Jones then drove to the village of Alderton near Tewkesbury, and set the campervan alight at around midnight on 18 February.

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. Jones faced a trial at Gloucester Crown Court and was found guilty by a jury. He admitted the other offences.

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.

"Jones decided to use a hire car that night, and thought he could get away with what he did. However, we were able to show his stalking behaviour where he followed her in his car prior to the arson, which the victim hadn't known had been happening.

"I would like to thank the victims who have been incredibly strong and brave, and worked with us throughout our investigation. Thanks must also go to the quick-thinking neighbour, whose actions likely saved lives that day."

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."

On Wednesday 17 August, 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.

Always report stalking and harassment as soon as possible and tell other people what's happening. You can report this online by visiting https://www.gloucestershire.police.uk/ or by calling 101. In an emergency always call 999.

If you're not sure if you're being stalked contact the National Stalking Helpline: https://www.suzylamplugh.org/pages/category/national-stalking-helpline or 0808 802 0300.

The Domestic Violence Disclosure Scheme gives any member of the public the right to ask the police if their partner may pose a risk to them. It is often called 'Clare's Law' after the landmark case that led to it.

This scheme also allows a member of the public to make an enquiry into the partner of a close friend or family member. For more information on this visit: https://www.gloucestershire.police.uk/advice/advice-and-information/daa/domestic-abuse/alpha2/request-information-under-clares-law/