GARY BUCKLAND FROM PLYMOUTH SETS FIRE TO DRUG DEN AND ADMITS TO CHILD PORNOGRAPHY
In January 2017, a serious incident unfolded in Plymouth involving Gary Buckland, a 49-year-old resident of the city, who was responsible for setting fire to a flat in a block of apartments located in the Stonehouse area.The arson attack not only caused significant property damage but also posed a grave risk to the lives of nearby residents.
Buckland’s actions led to the evacuation of six flats within the building, with an estimated repair cost of approximately £20,000, according to the housing landlord, Affinity Sutton.
Prior to the fire, the flat where the blaze occurred had been the scene of a tragic death just a week earlier.
A man had died from a suspected drug overdose in that very unit.
The flat was subsequently closed down by authorities, and fire investigators later determined that the blaze originated from three separate points within the property.
Notably, the hard-wired smoke alarm had been deliberately disabled, although investigators could not conclusively identify who was responsible for this tampering.
The incident took place in the early hours of June 16, with the fire breaking out around 1:30 a.m.
Emergency services responded swiftly, evacuating residents, many of whom were elderly individuals living alone in their 60s and 70s.
Fortunately, no injuries were reported during the evacuation.
The police and fire investigators found evidence linking Buckland to the arson, and he was later identified as the perpetrator.
He had previously admitted to recklessly endangering lives by setting the fire, which was linked to ongoing issues of drug-related activity in the area.
Further investigations revealed that Buckland was under suspicion for possessing and sharing indecent images of children via the internet.
On February 11 of the previous year, authorities discovered images on his mobile phone, which he had been making and distributing.
These disturbing findings led to additional charges against him, including five counts of creating and distributing indecent images of minors.
At the time of the fire, Buckland was already under investigation for these online offenses.
His connection to the images and the arson case was established through police inquiries, and he was subsequently brought before Plymouth Crown Court.
During the proceedings, Buckland, who appeared via video link from Exeter Prison, pleaded guilty to all charges related to the indecent images.
Judge Ian Lawrie, after reviewing a psychiatric report, ordered a probation assessment and warned Buckland that he faced a prison sentence.
The judge emphasized the seriousness of the crimes, which included endangering lives through arson and the exploitation of children through online images.
Buckland’s case was set for sentencing on February 20, with the court considering the appropriate length of imprisonment.
Following the fire, authorities took measures to secure the property.
Fire crews boarded up the affected flat, and the housing association installed metal shutters to prevent unauthorized access.
In July of the previous year, a magistrates’ court granted a three-month closure order, prohibiting anyone from entering the flat except for authorized staff and housing officials.
The flat was linked to ongoing drug use and anti-social behavior, further justifying the closure.
In the aftermath of the incident, police found the body of 25-year-old David Sutton in the flat on June 8.
The scene contained hundreds of needles stored in drawers, and his death was believed to be drug-related.
Sutton was not listed as the tenant of the flat, and a full inquest into his death was still pending at the time.
The case highlighted the dangerous environment associated with drug activity in the area.
Gary Buckland remained in custody until his sentencing, which was scheduled for February 20, where he faced multiple charges including arson, endangering lives, and possession of indecent images of children.
His case underscored the severity of his actions and the ongoing issues of drug abuse and child exploitation in Plymouth.
