Arsonist Saves Cat After Setting Neighbour’s Door on Fire
In a bizarre turn of events, 30-year-old Darren Evans intentionally set fire to his neighbour’s front door but then put out the blaze to rescue the neighbour’s cat. The incident took place in Croesyceiliog near Cwmbran, where Evans and his neighbour resided in flats. Evans confessed to the police about starting the fire due to a previous disagreement with his neighbour but expressed concern for the cat’s safety, stating, “He’s a c*** but his cat ain’t though.”
The arson attempt was discovered at 4 am on October 16, 2021, after the victim noticed smoke damage to his front door and other items in the communal area. The victim immediately reported the incident to the police, speculating that Evans might be behind it as they had a falling out a month earlier. During a sentencing hearing at Cardiff Crown Court, it was revealed that Evans initially tried to shift blame onto another individual but later admitted to the arson in a message to a housing officer.
Furthermore, Evans claimed during a police interview that he and another person had approached the victim’s flat, where the other individual produced a knife and set fire to letters in the letterbox. Evans purportedly intervened to extinguish the flames. Additionally, on June 16, 2023, Evans made threatening remarks to a tenancy support worker, including references to setting the victim’s bed on fire. Despite his actions, Evans maintained that he spared the cat by recalling its presence inside the flat.
Following his arrest, Evans acknowledged to the police that his actions were driven by a desire for amusement and a sense of retribution, stating that the victim “deserved” the fire. Subsequently, on October 5 of the same year, Evans threatened another neighbour’s child while inebriated, leading to a confrontation at their front door that involved aggressive behaviour and menacing statements. Evans later attributed his conduct to excessive alcohol consumption and expressed remorse for his actions.
In court, Evans pleaded guilty to charges of arson, malicious communications, and threats to kill. The prosecution highlighted Evans’ prior convictions for possessing a bladed weapon, causing criminal damage, and breaching the Communications Act. His defence counsel, Kevin Seal, underscored Evans’ long-standing struggles with mental health issues, including depression and anxiety. Judge Paul Hobson sentenced Evans to 32 months in prison and imposed a five-year restraining order against him.
This case serves as a stark reminder of the unpredictable and troubling behaviour that can stem from personal disputes and underlying mental health challenges. While the cat was ultimately saved from harm, the repercussions of Evans’ actions have led to a significant legal outcome that aims to address his behaviour and ensure the safety of his neighbours in the future.