Man jailed for torching Christmas decorations at Cambridge youth hostel
Nigel Hensby admits to arson after being denied entry to see former partner
A 27-year-old from Norwich, has been sentenced to two years in prison for setting fire to Christmas decorations in a Cambridge youth hostel.
The incident occurred on 5th December when Hensby visited the Cambridge Youth Foyer on Rustat Close.
He had been released from prison just the day before after serving time for possession of a knife and a public order offence.
Nigel Hensby demanded entry to see his former partner to retrieve a mobile phone, but staff refused him access.
After threatening to petrol bomb the building, he set fire to the decorations with a lighter before fleeing.
Police arrested Hensby on Station Road, where he admitted to starting the fire.
No injuries were reported during the incident.
On 10th March, Peterborough Crown Court sentenced Hensby after he pleaded guilty to arson with recklessness as to whether life was endangered.
DC Becky Bertozzi-Wilson, who led the investigation, said: “Hensby deliberately set fire to a foyer in a building with vulnerable people inside, putting their lives and staff members lives at risk, simply because staff would rightly, not allow him access. The consequences of his actions could have been fatal.”