Extended sentence for domestic abuser who set fire to ex-partner’s home

A man who assaulted his former partner and tried to set her home on fire twice after their relationship ended has been given an extended prison sentence totalling 11 years.

In the early hours of December 16, 2023, the woman returned home from a night out to find Steven Sandall, aged 37, had broken into and trashed her Wellingborough home.

When she confronted him Sandall assaulted her, knocking her to the floor before strangling her to the point of her fearing for her life.

The woman was finally able to flee to safety at a neighbour’s and the police were called.

When officers arrived, they found a fire had been deliberately started in the victim’s kitchen, with other damage including cabinets ripped from the walls, knife slash marks to the sofa, two mobile phones bent and smashed, and the victim’s laptop broken in two.

Sandall was arrested the following day and charged with assault by beating, intentional strangulation, burglary and arson.

He admitted the burglary charge on January 31, with the remaining three counts sent to Northampton Crown Court.

Before a trial could take place, on March 23 Sandall returned to the woman’s home while she was staying elsewhere and again broke in and attempted to set it on fire – this time turning on the gas hob.

He was arrested at the scene and later charged with attempted arson with intent to endanger life.

On June 3, ahead of a trial on the four charges, Sandall changed his plea on all counts to guilty.

On Thursday, September 19, Sandall appeared before the same court where he was given an extended sentence, used for criminals convicted of specific offences who are deemed to be dangerous, made up of a total of six years’ imprisonment and a further five years on licence.

Sandall, of no fixed address, was also given an 11-year restraining order banning him from contacting his former partner directly or indirectly, going to any address where she is or may be, and from going within 100m of her.

Speaking afterwards, investigating officer Detective Constable Stacey Hill of the Domestic Abuse Investigation Team at Northamptonshire Police, said: “To react to the end of a relationship in the way Steven Sandall did is completely unacceptable – his attack on the victim and repeated attempts to set her home alight show just how far he was prepared to go.

“I’m really pleased to see such a strong sentence passed for his terrifying actions and am especially glad that his dangerousness has been recognised by the court with the use of an extended sentence.

“The survivor has shown such courage throughout, from ending a relationship that had hallmarks of controlling behaviour, to refusing Sandall’s pleas to reconcile and supporting the case throughout the court proceedings.

“I hope this outcome offers her some comfort as she recovers from what he put her through.”

Group Commander Ro Cutler, lead officer for fire investigation at Northamptonshire Fire & Rescue Service, added: “We are very pleased to learn that there was a successful prosecution in this very serious matter.

“The service’s fire investigation team worked closely with Detective Constable Hill to ensure that all available evidence was collected and put before the court.

“The Fire Service will continue to investigate all fires that employ arson as a method to commit or cover crimes, to help secure prosecutions and keep our community safe.”

*This release and custody image have been published with the support of the survivor.*

If you have been affected by any of the issues raised in this report, find advice and support – including how to make a report – here. 

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