A Cambridge youth hostel narrowly escaped disaster after a man set fire to Christmas decorations in a shocking rage. Nigel Hensby, 27, had only been released from prison the day before, following a nine-month sentence for knife possession and a public order offence.
On 5 December, he stormed the Cambridge Youth Foyer in Rustat Close, demanding to see his former partner to retrieve a mobile phone.
When staff refused him entry, Hensby threatened to smash down the door and petrol bomb the building. Staff hid in an office and called police, only to discover Hensby had already set fire to the festive decorations before fleeing. Thankfully, no one was injured.
Hensby was arrested shortly after the incident in Station Road, Cambridge, and admitted to starting the fire.
On Tuesday, 10 March, Peterborough Crown Court sentenced Hensby, of Drayton Road, Norwich, to two years behind bars after he pleaded guilty to arson with recklessness as to whether life was endangered.
Detective Constable 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 rightly refused him access. The consequences could have been fatal.”
Nigel Hensby, of Drayton Road, Norwich, jailed for two years after he pleaded guilty to arson with recklessness as to whether life was endangered.
