Guilty – Birch motorway services arsonist
Date published: 29 November 2004
A 31-year-old man has, on Monday 29 November 2004, been sentenced to 3 and a half years in custody, after pleading guilty to arson following a large fire at Birch motorway services on the westbound carriageway of the M62 last year.
Jason New from Foxdale Avenue in Blackpool pleaded guilty at Minshull Street Crown Court to the offence on Tuesday 28 September 2004. New started the fire at the service station near to Middleton at approximately 1.45am on Thursday 9 October, after he lost some money in a slot machine. He set fire to the machine and the fire raged for between three and four hours causing over £7 million worth of damage.
Detective Constable Phil Gee, who led the investigation said: "Seventy four firefighters from13 stations around the North East of Manchester battled the blaze, forcing the service station to close in both directions. "Fortunately no one was injured during the fire. However, it caused £7 million of damage and completely destroyed the shopping area and cafeteria in the services, causing disruption for motorists wishing to take a break from their journey.
"New's sentence reflects the devastation this incident has caused, and we are pleased he has decided to take responsibility for his actions.”
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