An 18-year-old man from Waunceirch, Neath Port Talbot has been jailed after admitting to multiple arson offences, including setting fire to his ex-partner’s clothing and deliberately starting a pub blaze.
Josh Smith, who was 17 at the time of the offences, set fire to clothing belonging to his former partner on 4 January, recording the act on his phone and later sharing it to Instagram.
Just two days later, he deliberately ignited a fire in the toilets of the Somerset Arms, Commercial Road, Taibach. Smith also attempted to set fire to a wheelie bin belonging to a relative of his ex-partner.
After pleading guilty to two counts of arson and one count of attempted arson, Smith was sentenced to 16 months in a Young Offenders Institution. He has also been made subject to a five-year restraining order against the victim.
PC John Ryan from South Wales Police said:
“Josh Smith committed these dangerous offences as retaliation following the end of his relationship with his ex-partner and made numerous people fearful for their safety as a result of his actions.
“We hope he takes the time he will spend at the Young Offenders Institution to think about his actions and to change his ways.”
