Man jailed for setting fire to innocent family’s home in “misdirected attempt at revenge”

A man has been jailed for five years for burning down a family home and rendering them homeless, in a “misdirected” act of revenge.

Phillip Humphrey, 42, was jailed yesterday (22 October) at Minshull Street Crown Court, having previously pleaded guilty to charges of criminal damage and arson, being reckless as to whether life would be endangered.

The court heard how, on Thursday 16 November 2023, Humphrey spent the afternoon drinking with friends in Rochdale town centre.

The group had been doing shots before continuing the party at a house where Humphrey was staying after being released from prison.

He targeted the home of an innocent family, mistakenly believing the occupants had wronged him. In the early hours of Friday 17 November, Humphrey returned to the property on Oldham Road in Rochdale on three separate occasions.

During his first visit, Humphrey smashed the windows of the house while the owner, a woman, and her young children were inside.

The terrified family, fearing for their safety, called the police and made arrangements to stay elsewhere for the night.

However, Humphrey returned to the house a second time, causing further damage by gaining access to the property.

On his third and final visit, he set fire to the home, destroying the family's clothes and belongings, some of which held significant sentimental value. The fire was so severe that it left the house uninhabitable.

 

 

Detective Constable Russ Clarke of Rochdale CID commented on the devastating impact of Humphrey's actions. He said, "The family who lived at this property have lost everything they own, their clothes and all their belongings, including items of significant sentimental value. The fire devastated the property, leaving it uninhabitable."

DC Clarke also spoke about the distress caused to the family during the initial attack. "The smashing of the windows whilst this family were present caused them severe distress, with the occupant and children believing that somebody was coming inside to harm them.

"It caused such distress that they decided to leave the property for the night and stay elsewhere in case those responsible returned."

Humphrey's subsequent actions were described as "premeditated acts of violence, solely designed to cause terror upon the young family," said DC Clarke.

After evading the police for over two months, Humphrey was eventually arrested. During his police interview, he initially denied setting the fire and attempted to shift the blame onto others.

However, when further evidence was gathered, Humphrey accepted responsibility and pleaded guilty.

DC Clarke added: "The impact on this family has been immeasurable.

"They remain homeless and are faced with rebuilding their lives once more. I hope that the conviction of Humphrey provides them with some level of comfort in what continues to be a very difficult time for them."