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Crime Solicitors

Shropshire fire fighter pleads guilty to arson (17 November 2015)

Date: 17/11/2015
Duncan Lewis, Crime Solicitors, Shropshire fire fighter pleads guilty to arson

A fire fighter from Shropshire who deliberately set a series of fires around Shropshire and Staffordshire – which he later attended as a member of the emergency services – has pleaded guilty to conspiracy to cause damage to property by fire.

During the summer of 2014, David Pearson, 31, was employed as a retained fire fighter with Shropshire Fire and Rescue Service, based at the Minsterley fire station.

As a retained fire fighter, Pearson was required to be on call for the service at various times – and attend the fire station when requested to deal with any emergencies.

Between 1 July 2014 and 2 September 2014, there were a high number of arson attacks on cars and property in the Shropshire and Staffordshire areas – and during this period, Pearson was regularly one of the first fire fighters in attendance.

Following an investigation by the fire service into the arson attacks and Pearson's actions, the police were contacted and the defendant was arrested.

During the police investigation, data from the defendant's mobile phone and information obtained from the Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) system showed that Pearson was in the vicinity of the fires prior to the emergency services being called out.

At Shrewsbury Crown Court, David Pearson pleaded guilty to conspiracy to set fires to property belonging to others. He will be sentenced on 8 January 2016.

After the hearing, Senior Crown Prosecutor from West Midlands Crown Prosecution Service, Emily Lenham, said:

“Through his deliberate and callous actions, David Pearson – a man entrusted by the fire service to protect the public from the dangers of fire – not only damaged property belonging to others, but also placed his colleagues and the victims of the fires, some of whom were known to him, at risk of harm.

“The offences are further aggravated by the demand his actions placed upon the fire service – representatives of which were required to attend, extinguish and investigate each of the fires that he had set.

“It is evident that David Pearson gained personal satisfaction and enjoyment from setting the fires and causing damage to property which – given his position as a fire fighter – represents a substantial breach of trust.”

Duncan Lewis Criminal Solicitors

Duncan Lewis criminal solicitors are available 24/7, 365 days a year and can advise at any stage of a charge involving arson or criminal damage.

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