Boozed-up Derbyshire takeaway owner set fire to girlfriend’s first floor flat

Boozed-up Derbyshire takeaway owner set fire to girlfriend’s first floor flat
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Shakir Raza argued with his girlfriend of eight years before going to her address on Coronation Avenue, in Alvaston, on March 18, and lighting the fire, said prosecutor Sarah Allen.

The downstairs flat had to be evacuated as four firefighters battled the flames and Raza climbed out of a window.

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He returned to the scene and was arrested, telling officers he’d downed four shots of vodka.

Image of a fire engine.Image of a fire engine.
Image of a fire engine.

He claimed the fire was started when he dropped a cigarette on a tracksuit, but an investigation revealed this was "not consistent", although no accelerants were used.

The first floor flat in the semi-detached house was "severely damaged" by the blaze, and the downstairs flat was smoke-damaged.

Laura Pitman, mitigating, said Reza was experiencing "real difficulties" after his business failed.

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"In his eyes he had brought shame on his family," she said. "It doesn't justify what he went on to do that day, but clearly he was in a mental health crisis.

"He has an incredible family who support him. Recognising he was struggling, they have sold his business and cleared all his debts.

"The hope is he will return to live in the family home on his release. He will be employed in the takeaway he once owned."

Ms Pitman said Reza's girlfriend still has hopes for their future, adding: "Everyone is determined to help him address his alcohol problems."

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"This was a momentary decision," she said. "There is considerable remorse."

Derby Crown Court heard he has previous convictions for driving with excess alcohol and received a 12 week sentence, suspended for 12 months, for driving while disqualified and failing to supply a specimen, in November 2019.

Raza, 37, of Vestry Road, Derby pleaded guilty to arson with intent to endanger life.

Judge Nirmal Shant QC said this was not a premeditated offence, and he had no relevant previous convictions.

She jailed him for two years and three months, and activated two months of the suspended sentence.

Read the latest court cases from Derbyshire here.