Derbyshire man jailed after pouring fuel through letter box and setting home on fire

Andrew McConnell, from Belper, joined Matthew Pallett and Harry Cairns to pour accelerant through the letterbox of the Broomhill Lane property in Mansfield before setting it alight, in the early hours of December 29, 2021.

The ensuing fire caused considerable damage to the front door before it was spotted by neighbours who called emergency services at about 4am.

Firefighters ensured the fire did not spread beyond the interior hallway, which sustained minor damage.

As police arrived on the scene, officers spotted a car driving away from the property and pulled it over.

Pallett, Cairns and McConnell were found inside the vehicle, which officers noted smelt strongly of accelerant. The trio were arrested and later charged.

In a previous incident Matthew Pallett launched another raid on the man’s property in Mansfield, when the 45-year-old showed up at the house while drunk in the middle of the night.

Armed with a pool cue, Pallett forced his way inside the property and tried to confront his victim, who he had an ongoing feud with.

Pallett and associate Paul Bonson became involved in a fight with their target, who armed himself with a hammer and called the police.

Officers arrived on August 5, at about 2.45am and arrested the two intruders, who had been injured. Their victim was unhurt.

Pallett, 45, of Mansfield, admitted arson with recklessness and aggravated burglary and was today jailed for six years at Nottingham Crown Court.

Cairns, of Claydown Way, from Luton, and McConnell, of Bridge Street, Belper, both 22, were each jailed for two years in February, after admitting arson with recklessness.

Bonson, of Beech Hill Avenue, Mansfield, admitted affray and was jailed for 15 months, suspended for 18 months, in February. He was also given 120 hours of unpaid work, 20 rehabilitation requirement days and a six-month alcohol treatment course.

Detective Sergeant Rich Kinsey, of Nottinghamshire Police, said: “The fire lit by Pallett, Cairns and McConnell could have had devastating consequences, not just for their chosen target but others in surrounding houses too.”