Four years for Northampton arsonist who set woman’s bedroom on fire

A 41-year-old man who set his partner’s bedroom on fire while she was asleep has been handed a four-year prison sentence.

Jeremy Kirk Parcell, 41, previously of Northampton, took a lighter to the curtains of a bedroom in Wallbeck Close on September 15, 2021, after a disagreement, setting the room on fire.

The woman was asleep when the fire was started but thankfully, the smoke alarm went off with the fire quickly put out and no one getting injured.

Fire investigators stated afterwards that had the fire not been discovered in its early stages, it could potentially have set the whole room alight and subsequently, the whole house.

Parcell was swiftly arrested by police officers in connection with the incident and later charged with arson.

Despite initially denying the offence, he pleaded guilty at the end of 2021 and this week (February 23) was sentenced to four years in prison with an extended licence of one year and six months.

Lead Investigator, PC Matt Richmond from the Domestic Abuse Team, said: “I am pleased to see a strong sentence handed out to Jeremy Parcell as it shows the gravity of the offence and the fatal consequences his actions could have had that evening.

“This fire caused extensive damage to the bedroom of this property and this block of flats is also occupied by elderly residents who would have struggled to evacuate in the case of an emergency.

“Domestic abuse takes all forms but our approach will always be the same – zero-tolerance and an unwavering determination to bring the offender to justice.

“I hope this case shows that resolve and that tackling domestic abuse is a priority for Northamptonshire Police.”

If you are suffering in a relationship, please come forward.

You deserve better.

We will believe you.

For more details on how to report abuse, visit: https://ndas.co or call us on 101.