'Selfish and vindictive' arsonist given suspended prison term for setting fire to Swaffham house

A Swaffham man, who set fire to a house in the town just hours after its new owners completed its purchase, has today been given a suspended prison sentence.

Police have described the actions of 37-year-old Matthew Green as "selfish and vindictive", following a hearing at Norwich Crown Court today.

Green, of North Pickenham Road in the town, was given a 12 month suspended sentence this afternoon, having pleaded guilty to arson at an earlier hearing.

He was told to pay £8,796 in costs and carry out 180 hours' unpaid work, plus a 20 day rehabilitation activity programme. A restraining order was also imposed.

The case related to a house in Shoemakers Lane, Swaffham, where a fire was discovered on the afternoon of June 27, 2019.

The blaze, which destroyed the front of the property, was found to have been started deliberately.

The court heard that a couple had exchanged contracts with the owner of the property the day before the blaze was discovered.

They paid a £32,500 deposit and were due to complete on the sale.

But Green went to the address sometime between 5pm on June 26, 2019, and 5pm the following day to ignite the fire.

An investigation into the incident revealed that Green had attempted to buy the house on June 25, 2019, two days before the fire was found, and had been unhappy that the couple pulled out on the sale of two of his properties in Swaffham due to delays and increasing costs.

Police say that, following the blaze, the prospective owners withdrew from the sale, losing their deposit, in fear of their own safety.

Following today's hearing, Temporary Detective Inspector Richard Weller, of Norfolk Police, said: "This was a selfish and vindictive act motivated by greed and control.

"What should have been an exciting move to their dream home quickly became a nightmare for the victims.

"I hope today’s result provides some closure to those who suffered from Matthew Green’s actions and reassures the public that we will thoroughly investigate crimes such as this to secure a successful prosecution.

"I am proud of my team’s efforts in securing this conviction for the victims.”