Arsonist jailed for more than two years after removing smoke detector and setting fire to his own flat in Northampton

Brandon Rolfe, of Emerald Way, appeared at Northampton Crown Court for sentencing on March 2, after he had previously pleaded guilty to arson with recklessness as to whether life was endangered.

The charge relates to an incident at around 5.30pm on July 7, 2025, when a resident at the block of flats saw large plumes of smoke billowing from Rolfe’s address. As the 31-year-old rushed past the concerned resident, she shouted to him that his flat was on fire. To which he answered, “yeah I know”, according to Northamptonshire Police.

Rolfe was charged after fire investigators concluded that the most probable cause was deliberate ignition on the floor next to the washing machine. Police say the smoke detector had also been removed.

Detective Constable Katie Ryder, of CID West, who led the investigation said: “Brandon Rolfe put the lives of his fellow residents at risk by his dangerous and reckless actions. When he fled his home after starting the fire, he had no consideration for who else was in the block of flats.

“It was only through sheer luck that the fire was spotted by another resident who raised the alarm. If it wasn’t for their quick actions this incident could have had a very different outcome.

“I hope Rolfe’s conviction reassures the community that we will take action against anyone who recklessly puts others in danger.”

Rolfe was sentenced to two years and four months in prison and ordered to pay a £228 victim surcharge.