A man has been jailed for more than six years after setting fire to his ex-partner’s home in Crawley, killing her dog and leaving her with nothing.
Adrian West, 61, of no fixed address, was sentenced to six years and three months in prison at Lewes Crown Court after pleading guilty to multiple offences including arson with intent to endanger life, criminal damage, non-fatal strangulation, common assault and two counts of actual bodily harm.
West carried out a series of violent assaults on his ex-partner, Louise Simpson, 53, throughout 2024. He strangled her, punched her in the face, and kicked her leg. On 13 September, Louise asked him to leave her property in Creasys Drive, Crawley. Later that day, West returned and smashed her doorbell camera with a rock. He was arrested and spent the night in custody but was released after Louise chose not to sign a formal statement.
On 14 September, he returned again and deliberately set fire to the house while Louise and her dog were inside. Louise escaped with the help of neighbours, but her three-year-old British Bulldog, Peggy, died in the fire.
Louise said the fire destroyed everything she owned, including sentimental items and her son’s childhood belongings. She had no insurance. She described the emotional and financial impact as “catastrophic” and said she now lives in fear, with anxiety affecting her daily life.
She told the court: “I lost everything. My home, my dog, and my peace of mind. Peggy was my world. I designed a tattoo of her, using her ashes in the ink. That’s all I have left.”
West was arrested again and charged. He pleaded guilty and was sentenced on 2 May 2025. Sussex Police and fire crews responded to the blaze, with firefighters capturing bodyworn footage of the damage.
Police are encouraging victims of domestic abuse to seek help early. Support is available through Refuge, Women’s Aid, or by calling 101.
