WATCH: Shocking footage of man setting Mercedes on fire in Northampton as arsonist jailed for three years
A man, who set a Mercedes car on fire in the middle of the night while it was parked on a Northampton driveway, has been jailed.
Mikha Morrison appeared at Northampton Crown Court on June 4 for sentencing after he previously pleaded guilty to one count of arson with recklessness as to whether life was endangered.
The 27-year-old set a black Mercedes 200 on fire in the Great Billing area in the early hours of February 15 this year.
According to police, the fire spread to a nearby Vauxhall with people in neighbouring homes having to evacuate as a precaution.
An investigation was launched and footage from a nearby camera showed the offender pouring liquid from a green Jerry can over the Mercedes car before lighting it with a match.
Police say Morrison was subsequently stopped by officers inside a taxi in Wellingborough Road and despite attempting to escape, was detained and arrested. A rucksack containing the green Jerry can was found nearby and Morrison himself smelt of petrol.
Lead investigator - Detective Constable Abigail Jones said: “This was an incredibly dangerous incident, and we are extremely fortunate that Northamptonshire Fire and Rescue Service responded so quickly and were able to prevent the fire from spreading further. If not, the consequences could have been far more severe.
“I am pleased to see him sentenced to more than three years in prison and I hope he spends his time inside reflecting on his actions in order to make better choices when he is released.
“Finally, I would like to thank the victim in this case for his support throughout the investigation. This incident had a huge impact on him and I hope the conclusion of this case and significant sentence provides him with some comfort.”
Morrison was sentenced to three years and four months in prison.