Man jailed for setting fires at two asylum hotels in Essex
Officers discovered that Abdulrahman was staying in each room, linking him to the fires
A man has been jailed for eight and-a-half years after setting fires in rooms at two separate hotels in Essex.
Rawand Abdulrahman, 37, was convicted of two counts of arson reckless as to whether life is endangered following a trial at Chelmsford Crown Court.
The incidents occurred last year at The Phoenix hotel on 28th March and The Bell hotel on 5th April.
Investigations conducted by police and the fire service revealed multiple seats of fire in the rooms at both hotels.
Officers discovered that the same person, Abdulrahman, was staying in each room, linking him to the fires.
Consequently, the fires were treated as arson, leading to Abdulrahman's arrest and subsequent charges.
Though he denied the offences, he was convicted on 20th March and sentenced at the same court on 24th April.
Chief Inspector Terry Fisher, Epping Forest District Commander, emphasised the risk Abdulrahman's actions posed.
"Rawand Abdulrahman’s actions risked the safety of the residents and staff at both hotels," Fisher said.
He stated that the fires could have had even more serious consequences and assured the public of thorough investigations:
"We will investigate offences where and when they take place, regardless of who they involve or where they take place. Thanks to our investigation, and the support from Essex County Fire and Rescue Service, he has been held accountable."