JACK LOCKE OF ORPINGTON SENTENCED FOR ARSON AND VIOLENCE IN SITTINGBOURNE

In May 2021, Jack Locke, a 27-year-old from Orpington, was sentenced to two years and five months in prison after admitting to multiple offences including arson, assault, revenge, and attempting to pervert the course of justice.

Locke was convicted for a series of violent and ‘nasty’ incidents over a three-day period in April, which included trying to set fire to his ex-partner’s house and threatening to petrol bomb her home. The court heard that Locke's ex-girlfriend from Milton Regis, Sittingbourne, was terrified during these events.

One disturbing incident involved Locke wrapping a duvet around his partner, whom he called his “princess,” and then setting it alight. According to reports, he only threw the burning cover into the garden after his girlfriend began to burn.

The court was told that Locke's behaviour was part of ongoing harassment. After attempting suicide, Locke's partner called an ambulance for help, but he became aggressive, leading paramedics to alert police.

Despite being bailed on the condition he stay away from his victim’s home, Locke ignored this order. He demanded entry, confronted her aggressively, called her stupid, and physically assaulted her, causing bruised ribs while she was curled in a fetal position. He also forced her to send a message to the police investigating him, warning her of the consequences if she continued to cooperate.

Judge Julian Smith noted that police suspected something was amiss when neighbours revealed they had fled the scene overnight over a garden fence to Penge, where they were later found by officers.

Locke, who had previously lived in St Mary’s Cray before moving to Shorne Close, Orpington, had maintained an on-and-off relationship with his ex-partner. Their history included several violent episodes.

Prosecutor James Benson described that on April 21, Locke and his girlfriend were watching TV about hospitals, which led to an argument over their child's treatment. The argument escalated, and Locke was told to leave. He returned angry, accused her of putting him out, and then swore at her while pressing his forehead against hers.

Locke then threw a mobile phone at her, hitting her thigh and damaging the phone. He later returned upstairs, packing a duvet cover and threatening to burn the house. He placed the duvet over both of them and set it on fire with a lighter, with his victim feeling the heat on her legs. Locke extinguished the flames and dismissed her fears, saying, “This is what I mean… you just think I am joking.”

Two days later, Locke assaulted her again by throwing a lighter at her wrist, causing cuts, and punching her thigh. He also tried to put his arm around her but was rebuffed. The violence continued as he threatened her with a kitchen knife, warning, “Stay there or I will really **** you up!” He then punched a wall, leaving a large dent, and poured whisky on the floor, threatening to burn the house down, which prompted her to flee.

Locke's actions have been described as part of a pattern of abuse, culminating in a prison sentence that reflects the severity of his offences.