A Hastings man, Alex Reynolds, has been sentenced to nine years and three months in prison after setting fire to two properties in East Sussex. The 27-year-old, of Edmund Road, Hastings, was sentenced at Lewes Crown Court on 13 September following a series of arson attacks that put lives at risk.
The first fire occurred on 13 November 2023, at a property in St Marks Close, Bexhill. Police were called to the scene shortly before 10pm, where significant damage had been done to the home. Reynolds was arrested and released under investigation.
However, on 19 March 2024, another suspicious fire broke out at a property in Theaklen Drive, St Leonards. Reynolds was found near the site and subsequently arrested. After thorough investigation, it was revealed that Reynolds was present at both crime scenes. He pleaded guilty to arson charges, first in May at Lewes Crown Court for the Bexhill fire, and then in July at Brighton Magistrates’ Court for the St Leonards incident.
Lewes Crown Court sentenced Reynolds to six years and three months in prison, with an additional three-year extended sentence after the judge deemed him dangerous. The sentence reflects the seriousness of his crimes and the ongoing threat he posed to the public.
Detective Sergeant Chris Milner praised the efforts of all officers involved in the investigation and expressed relief at Reynolds’ incarceration. He stated, “Reynolds is a serial arsonist who was escalating his offending to the point that he was risking the lives of others and causing significant damage. I am glad we can bring justice to the victims.”
Reynolds is now behind bars, highlighting Sussex Police’s dedication to protecting the public from dangerous offenders.