A man from Cleethorpes has received a life sentence for conducting a series of arson attacks in Grimsby, one of which horror-inducingly resulted in a man being set alight. The convicted, 29-year-old Ryan Tomney, pleaded guilty to charges of serious harm with intention and arson with intention to endanger life, although he was acquitted of attempted murder. The chilling series of events took place in the early hours of 24 April 2022, with one individual suffering serious burn injuries. The life sentence was given by Hull Crown Court on Tuesday, and Tomney will have to serve a minimum of eight years before he has the potential for parole.
The distressing sequence of incidents began with Tomney setting a house ablaze on Heneage Road, from which two occupants narrowly managed to escape. Following this, Tomney set a car on fire before chasing a man down a street, drenching his target in petrol and setting him on fire. The victim was immediately taken to a specialist burns unit for necessary medical aid. Humberside Police Detective Constable Scott Jackson referred to Tomney as a ‘violent individual’ who intended to inflict serious harm.
The situation escalated further as Tomney enclosed himself on his home’s roof, throwing tiles and initiating several fires, leading to substantial damage. The financial cost of the wreckage surpassed £15,000. However, it is dwarfed by the psychological trauma inflicted on his victim. ‘Tomney’s actions were entirely careless, and the community can now find relief knowing he is behind bars,’ commented Detective Constable Jackson.
This story has been adapted by The Lincoln Post from original reporting by www.bbc.com.
