Man who was stabbed in the back jailed for 10 years for revenge arson attack

Lewis Clough, 33 and Thomas Bank, 25, were sentenced on Friday at Preston Crown Court after pleading guilty to arson with intent to endanger life.

The 36-year-old occupant was unable to exit his property via the external stairs, resulting in him and his dog, escaping through an upstairs window.

The prosecution heard how four days before the attack, Clough had been in a fight, which had left him with a stab wound to his back. The arson attack was carried out as revenge for the stabbing.

Clough, of Clarence Street, Darwen, who was out on license when he committed the offence, was sentenced to six years in prison with a further two-and-a-half years on license. Bank, of Hilton Road, Darwen, was sentenced to four-and-a-half years in prison.

Det Insp Andy Horne, of East Police, said “We welcome today’s sentences which reflect the gravity of what were really serious offences – risking the lives of not only their intended target but the vulnerable and elderly lady who lived below.

"Det Con Craig Atkinson carried out a thorough and diligent investigation to bring these two offenders to justice at the same time as providing excellent support to the victim and all at a time of huge challenge with Covid-19.”