A man who set fire to a dozen cars over multiple nights has been sentenced, with his motive remaining undisclosed even as he received his punishment. David Jenkins, aged 32, was convicted for the arson attacks on various vehicles, yet he refrained from providing a clear reason for his actions during his sentencing. His barrister, Paul Green, mentioned that Jenkins might have been dealing with post-traumatic stress disorder, but it was unclear how this condition could have led to a series of arson incidents.
During the trial on Monday, Judge Jonathan Carroll expressed his bewilderment at the absence of a genuine explanation from Jenkins, emphasizing the profound and enduring impact of his actions on numerous individuals. The arsonist ignited fires on car number plates before walking away with his dog, setting ablaze vehicles across different streets in Hartlepool during February and August of 2023.
According to the prosecution, Paul Abrahams, Jenkins was identified through CCTV footage leaving the scene of one fire and later admitted his involvement to the police. Subsequently, Jenkins’s brother confirmed his identity in another CCTV image released by the authorities, stating that Jenkins had previously threatened to burn his car during their disputes.
Jenkins vandalized a total of 12 cars, captured on CCTV bending over the number plate of one vehicle before it erupted in flames on February 9. The arsonist was active again on February 28, targeting additional vehicles while out walking his dog.
Following his arrest on March 9, Jenkins denied any involvement, but subsequent evidence tied him to the arson attacks. Despite being granted bail, Jenkins resumed his destructive behavior in the early hours of August 18, 2023, setting fire to eight cars across various locations in Hartlepool.
During the sentencing, Mr. Green acknowledged that Jenkins had been intoxicated on all three nights of the arson attacks. Judge Carroll labeled Jenkins as a “dangerous offender,” recognizing the significant risk he poses to public safety. Consequently, Jenkins was handed a seven-year extended prison term, with five years to be served behind bars and the remaining two years on license in the community. Jenkins remained impassive as the sentence was delivered.
