Runcorn man jailed for arson attack at a Wetherspoon pub

William Morris appeared at Chester Crown Court on Friday 2 August where he was sentenced to 32 months in prison.

The 32-year-old, of Boston Avenue, Runcorn, had previously pleaded guilty to arson with recklessness as to whether life was endangered.

The court heard that during the early hours of Friday 21 October 2022, police received a report from Cheshire Fire & Rescue Service of a suspected deliberate ignition at a JD Wetherspoon pub on Church Street, Runcorn.

CCTV from the venue showed a man setting a fire at the rear of the premises. Staff at the venue soon recognised this male to be Morris – who had previously been employed by the venue but had been dismissed the previous month.

Once he was identified, Morris was promptly arrested by officers at his home address. Clothing was seized from his bedroom which matched the description of the clothing seen on the CCTV, along with a mobile phone.

During his interview, Morris denied the allegations and told officers he was at home when the offence took place.

However, following telecommunications analysis, officers were able to disprove Morris’ initial account as his phone was shown to be near the area of where the incident took place. He was subsequently charged with arson with recklessness as to whether life was endangered.

It was established that the total cost of the damage caused by Morris amounted to £1385.

Following the incident, Cheshire Fire & Rescue stated that had the fire developed further, it would have had the potential to spread further to adjoining premises, posing a risk to life for residents.

In addition to his sentence, Morris was issued a 7-year restraining order prohibiting him returning to the venue.