A woman whose arson attack “devastated the lives of three innocent people” has been jailed.
Stacey Hinks, of no fixed address, pleaded guilty to starting the blaze on the evening of Thursday 15 May.
She then called her ex-partner and told him: “Your home is on fire.”
Initially the victim didn’t believe Hinks had carried out the attack on his property in Springfield Grove, Borougbridge.
He only realised what had happened when he was called by concerned friends and family members later that evening checking on his welfare.
Fire location
His home was destroyed. He lost everything he owned, including irreplaceable sentimental items, and was left with only the clothes he had on that night.
The neighbouring properties on either side also sustained devastating damage. The two residents who lived in those homes also lost most of their belongings and had to be temporarily rehoused.
Doorbell camera footage captured the bravery of neighbours who rushed to alert those they believed were inside.
They managed to warn one resident, an 89-year-old woman, who was able to escape to safety. Thankfully, it was later confirmed that the other two residents were not at home at the time.
‘I lost everything’
In his victim impact statement, Hinks’ ex-partner said: “I lost everything, a lot of it can’t be replaced. I had lots of sentimental items in my home that are gone now.”
He continued: “I literally had the clothes on my back, everything was destroyed. All my furniture and belongings were lost that night.
He also described how he has “struggled every day since” due to stress caused by the fire.
His now 90-year-old neighbour, who also lost her home and sentimental items including ones from her late husband, told Hinks:
“You will never understand the harm that you have done to me. Mentally, physically, financially and emotionally.
“I hope that you can sleep on a night because I certainly can’t. I will think about this for the rest of my life.
She was forced to leave the bungalow she had moved into with her husband 27-years previously, moving in with family members in a different town, away from friends and family.
She said Hinks has taken away her independence because of what she did. “I have to rely on other people for everything now,” she said.
‘All my memories are gone’
Another neighbour, who had lived in her home since 2009, recalled watching the fire unfold on her security cameras and how she witnessed on the footage the desperate attempts of her neighbours to ensure her safety.
“Since you burnt my bungalow down, I have lost everything that I own. I have lost mementos to my late husband and son; all of my memories and belongings are gone.
Despite answering no comment in interviews, Hinks, who was arrested two days after the fire, was subsequently charged with arson with recklessness as to whether life was endangered.
She pleaded guilty and was today sentenced to a total of four years and ten months’ imprisonment when she appeared before York Crown Court today (Monday 6 October).
Speaking following sentencing, Detective Constable Karen Everitt of North Yorkshire Police, who led on the investigation said:
“Hinks devastated the lives of three innocent people. Her ex-partner and his neighbours lost everything, their homes, their belongings, and precious memories. The emotional toll has been immense.
“Thanks to the quick and brave actions of nearby residents, an elderly woman was safely evacuated, and the two other residents were confirmed not to be home at the time. Had things been different, the consequences could have been far more tragic.
“Hinks showed complete disregard for the safety of others. I’m pleased she eventually admitted her guilt and is now behind bars, where she belongs.”
