Man charged with fatal Walthamstow fire appears in court
Two men died in the blaze in 2024 following a dispute over a mobile phone
Fouad Boudra, a 25-year-old Algerian national, has been extradited from France and charged with the murder of two men during an alleged arson attack in Walthamstow, east London.
The incident took place on 21st April 2024, at a multi-occupancy block on Forest Road, where a fire claimed the lives of Mohammed Djellal, 24, and Faouzi Bouchadoe, 35.
Boudra is accused of starting the fire following a dispute over his stolen mobile phone.
The court heard that the flames overwhelmed the building, prompting residents to jump from first-floor windows to escape.
Prosecutor Joel Smith KC explained that Djellal and Bouchadoe died from smoke inhalation, with Djellal found in the lounge across the patio threshold and Bouchadoe in an upstairs bedroom near a window.
Two other men sustained injuries, with one suffering from a partially collapsed lung and another treated for burns and blisters.
London Fire Brigade reportedly sent about 40 firefighters to the scene after police were alerted at 10:24 pm.
A fire investigation determined the blaze was deliberately started in the lounge with a flame.
Boudra allegedly fled to France, where he was apprehended and returned to the UK.
During his initial crown court appearance, Boudra confirmed his identity, aided by an interpreter.
He faces multiple charges, including two counts of murder, two counts of manslaughter, arson with intent to endanger life, and causing grievous bodily harm to a third man.
Judge Judy Khan KC scheduled a plea hearing for 24th June, with a provisional trial date set for 4th January 2027 at the Old Bailey.
Boudra, who has no fixed address, remains in custody.