A 36-year-old man from Chandler’s Ford has been jailed for four years and six months after pleading guilty to arson.

Thomas Russell, 36, of Goodacres Drive, was sentenced at Southampton Crown Court last Friday (4 April), having admitted the offence at a previous hearing.

As well as the time Russell will now spend behind bars, he was also ordered to pay a £228 surcharge.

The sentencing follows an incident at approximately 11pm on Christmas Day last year, during which Russell set fire to his own property.

Upon police arrival at the scene, Russell was spotted wandering along Goodacres Drive and was swiftly arrested by officers.

Following the sentencing, investigating officer, Detective Constable Ryan White, said: “I am very pleased to see that Russell has been held accountable for his actions that evening.

“This sentence will give him plenty of time to consider what he did and how the outcome could have been far worse for everyone concerned.

“Not only did he set fire to his own property, but he also endangered other properties in the process, including the innocent people living in them.

“His actions were completely reckless and could have resulted in an extremely tragic outcome.

“Thankfully, that was not the case, due to the amazing and quick response of both the public in the area and the emergency services.”

Directly addressing those who helped officers build the case against Russell, DC White said: “I am so very grateful to everyone who has supported us throughout this investigation.

“This outcome at court is very much a reflection on all of you who have helped us since the incident was first reported.

“I understand the lasting impacts that an incident such as this one can have, but I truly hope that those living in the area of this incident, and the wider community, are reassured by this sentence and able to move forward.

“To anyone else thinking of doing similar, please let it be known that our teams and officers will work tirelessly to bring you to justice and place you behind bars. Incidents like this one are very serious, and they come with very serious consequences.”