Ipswich woman jailed for attempted arson at support centre
22-year-old sentenced to four years in prison and issued a restraining order
A 22-year-old woman from Felixstowe has been sentenced to four years in prison following a dangerous incident at a support centre in Ipswich.
Kerri Keen-Watts attempted to start a fire at the premises while others were present, leading to her arrest and subsequent conviction.
Incident Details
On 30th October, Keen-Watts arrived at the Ipswich support centre located on Museum Street at around 11:20 am.
She gained entry by claiming to have an appointment and concealing her identity.
Despite being banned from the premises due to a prior incident, she was recognised and asked to leave.
Once inside, Keen-Watts produced a bottle containing a clear liquid and began spreading it across the floor while threatening to “light them all up.”
She attempted to ignite several matches, but was fortunately intercepted by a support worker who managed to disarm her of the box of matches.
She poured more liquid and attempted to light a second set of matches before leaving the building.
The liquid was later confirmed as ethanol, a flammable substance easily ignitable with a flame.
Further Threats
Shortly after, Keen-Watts sent threatening text messages to a youth worker at another location, saying "YOU’RE NEXT" and "AND THIS TIME IT’LL WORK.”
She had previously expressed intentions of burning down the building with the individual inside.
Officers located Keen-Watts approximately an hour after the incident and arrested her.
She was charged the following day and appeared in court on 1st November.
Court Proceedings
Keen-Watts appeared before Ipswich Crown Court on 8th May, pleading guilty to attempted arson with intent to endanger life and sending a communication threatening death or serious harm.
She was sentenced to four years’ imprisonment.
Additionally, Keen-Watts has been given a five-year restraining order, prohibiting her from entering the road where the centre is located and from contacting impacted workers among other restrictions.
Detective Inspector Tristram Singh of South CID said:
“Kerri Keen-Watts’ actions on that day were incredibly dangerous and had she been successful in igniting any of the matches, the consequences could have been very serious.
“The swift actions of the workers at the premises should be commended, as they undoubtedly helped prevent her from completing her attempts to start a fire.
“The fact Keen-Watts then left that location and immediately sent threatening messages to another person at a different building demonstrates her clear intent to cause harm and distress to multiple people.”