Man avoids jail after 'string of arson attacks' in Leyland

A man has avoided jail after committing a string of arson attacks that targeted local shops in Leyland.
David Newton, 23, formerly of Bent Lane in Leyland, was sentenced at Preston Magistrates Court for the crimes that were carried outin Leyland at the end of summer 2016.David Newton, 23, formerly of Bent Lane in Leyland, was sentenced at Preston Magistrates Court for the crimes that were carried outin Leyland at the end of summer 2016.
David Newton, 23, formerly of Bent Lane in Leyland, was sentenced at Preston Magistrates Court for the crimes that were carried outin Leyland at the end of summer 2016.

David Newton, 23, of Hill Street, St Helens, was sentenced at Preston Magistrates Court after pleading guilty to the crimes that were carried out in Leyland at the end of summer 2016.

Mr Newton, formerly of Bent Lane in Leyland, has been ordered to comply with a two-year community rehabilitation order which requires him to undergo alcohol treatment and to be tested regularly in relation to alcohol use.

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He will also be tagged and placed on a curfew between 7pm and 7am for 6 months.

A spokesman for South Ribble Police said in a post to their Facebook page: "This case affected a number of businesses and was investigated by South Ribble NPT - it also received a lot of local interest via our Facebook page at the time.

"Newton targeted commercial wheelie bins at the rear of Leyland shops - thankfully none of the fires spread to the business premises.

"In addition to the court action South Ribble NPT also worked with the offender's housing provider and as such he has been moved out of Lancashire.

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"Arson is a serious matter and can have devastating consequences."

The case was heard at Preston Magistrates Court on 3 March.

If you know about someone who is involved in deliberately setting fires please let the police know by calling CrimeStoppers, free and in confidence, on 0800 555 111.