Daniel Willerton set fire to Birchwood home in Peterborough

Daniel Willerton, of Orton Goldhay, broke up with his girlfriend on October 3, 2021. The next day he turned aggressive after getting no reply to text messages he sent her that afternoon.

That evening (October 4), emergency services were called to Willerton's home in Birchwood, Orton Goldhay, Peterborough, after it was set ablaze.

The fire damage in Willerton's home. (Image: Police)

Willerton had poured accelerant on top of his laptop and around the living room before lighting it, leaving the house, and sending his former partner a text saying, "house burning down now".

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After he'd torched his own house, Willerton made a string of abusive phone calls to his ex-girlfriend, making comments including, "I hope you're happy, this is your fault" and "the next time you hear from me I'll be in a prison cell".

The kitchen was damaged badly. (Image: Police)

Firefighters managed to contain the fire in half an hour before it had spread to neighbouring properties, but the damage to Willerton's home was extensive.

Willerton appeared at Huntingdon Law Court on Monday (15 July) where he was sentenced to four-and-a-half years in prison after previously admitting arson with recklessness as to endanger life.

Fortunately the fire didn't spread to neighbouring properties. (Image: Police)

Detective Constable Angus Cashman, who investigated, said: “Willerton’s actions were incredibly selfish and dangerous. Thanks to immediate reports from neighbours and the quick response of our colleagues at the fire service, the fire was under control before it spread.

“The sentence given shows the seriousness of this crime, which I hope sends out a clear message to the public.”