Jail for the firework arsonists

Two thugs who hurled fireworks into a care home causing a fire that left a disabled woman with life-changing injuries have been jailed for a total of 13 years.

Muhammed Khan, 23, launched the roman candles from a black rented BMW as Sabbir Ahmed, also 23, drove slowly past the Lynnwood Care Home in Beccles Drive, Barking, Essex.

Nine people had to be rescued in the blaze, including wheelchair-bound resident Donna Stringer, 43, who suffered severe burns to her arms and neck in the blaze.

Ms Stringer, who has a mental age of a three-year-old, also suffered internal injuries from prolonged smoke inhalation after the ‘heinous’ prank.

She was in a critical condition in hospital for two months and required an emergency tracheotomy after the attack on November 13 last year, Snaresbrook Crown Court heard.

The pair were caught after a BMW 4 Series Gran Coupe was caught briefly on a residential CCTV camera, helping police immediately working to trace the vehicle.

They were both named drivers on the insurance policy for the rented vehicle.

Ahmed was arrested at his home about three weeks after the attack while Khan handed himself into police six days later.

Ahmed, of Doveton Street, Whitechapel, and Khan, of Rickman Street, Whitechapel, admitted arson being reckless as to whether life was endangered

Ahmed was jailed for six years while Khan was jailed for six years and four months for the arson with eight months consecutive for breaching a suspended sentence by bringing a stun gun into Heathrow airport.

Khan was told to hand over £604 recovered from the BMW, to Donna’s mother while and pay a further £1,500 compensation to her.

Ahmed, who sobbed as he was sentenced, was ordered to pay her £1,500.

Ms Stringer will never have the full use of her hands again, needed skin grafts to her throat and is now unable to walk for long periods of time.

Other residents were also forced to relocate after the fire caused tens of thousands of pounds worth of damage to the care home.

Police believe a ‘Roman Candle’ firework was used – it has five internal shots that are discharged after a fire is lit at the top.

Investigating officer Detective Sergeant Karl Dines of Barking and Dagenham police branded the men ‘cowards’ and said:

‘I’m glad that these two defendants are now behind bars for this heinous crime.

‘They have left a permanent physical and emotional mark on Donna and her family.

They temporarily displaced six other vulnerable people from their homes and caused tens of thousands of pounds worth of damage.’

Detective Inspector Niall McSheffrey of Barking and Dagenham police said: ‘I am pleased with today’s sentence. This has been a long and protracted investigation in which Barking and Dagenham police worked tirelessly to ensure that justice was done for Donna and her family.

‘Donna has had a hard start in life and the actions of Ahmed and Khan have caused unnecessary anxiety and stress to the Stringer family and it is not clear what psychological injuries Donna has suffered.

‘The MPS is working with the London Fire Brigade and the Stringer family to highlight the dangers that fireworks can cause and how it can impact on a number of lives.

‘The majority of people use fireworks safely but this sentence will send out a clear message as we enter the festive seasons when many fireworks are used.’