2010: Arsonist ex-boyfriend is jailed for four years

2010: ARSONIST EX-BOYFRIEND IS JAILED FOR FOUR YEARS

A former boyfriend with a troubled criminal background has received a four-year prison sentence after deliberately setting fire to his ex-girlfriend’s residence.

Bolton Crown Court heard that 29-year-old Gary Foulkes endangered the lives of Hilary Howcroft and her 11-year-old son when he ignited an air vent following a heated argument.

The couple had maintained an on-again, off-again relationship for over a decade.

On July 17, after exchanging insults through the letterbox, Foulkes gathered his laundry and then threatened violence against Miss Howcroft and her child.

Subsequently, he threw two leaflets into the house and pushed them through the letterbox.

Although the initial fires were extinguished, Foulkes then flicked his lighter at an air vent blocked with black bags, which allowed smoke to enter the house, leading the boy to call emergency services.

Foulkes, who has a lengthy criminal record with 39 convictions for 108 offences—including robbery, burglary, and disorderly conduct—admitted to arson that recklessly endangered life.

He was detained shortly thereafter.

Court proceedings revealed that his actions were not premeditated and he did not intend to cause harm.

Judge Steven Everett highlighted the serious risks posed by his act, noting that had the fire spread near the front entrance, residents could have been placed in grave danger.