A MAN who endangered the lives of others after setting fire to a Worcestershire train station has been jailed.
Matthew Wright, of Clayfield Drive, Malvern, admitted to setting fire to Station House at Malvern Link Train Station while two people were asleep inside.
The 27-year-old was sentenced to six years in prison for arson endangering life following the incident which took place in March last year.
Matthew Wright, of Clayfield Drive, Malvern. (Image: West Mercia Police) Wright was sentenced at Worcester Crown Court on June 24.
He was given the prison term and received a restraining order against the two victims involved in the fire.
The police cordon after the incident. (Image: Newsquest) Two victims were awoken by a fire outside the Station house which caused significant damage to the property.
No one was injured in the blaze.
Following an investigation, it was established that the fire was started by Wright.
Detective Constable Gareth Hicks said: “This is a positive outcome to what could have been a tragic incident in Malvern that night.
Matthew Wright leaving Worcester Crown Court. (Image: Newsquest) “Thankfully the victims didn’t sustain any injuries, but the story could have been so much worse.
“We hope the six-year sentence sends a strong message to Mr Wright that his actions were irresponsible and not tolerable.”
Damage sustained to the building. (Image: Newsquest) Both the Station House and the entrance from Worcester Road were cordoned off after the incident on March 7.
The fire badly damaged the side of the building overlooking the train station, completely destroying the Station House balcony.
The Station House was regularly used as a holiday when the incident took place.
Police release image of man as part of arson investigation (Image: West Mercia Police) At the time, a West Mercia Police spokesperson: "Police were called by the fire service at 2.25am this morning (Tuesday 7 March) following a fire at a property on Worcester Road in Malvern.
"Following a review of CCTV, the fire is being treated as arson and a scene guard has been put in place.
"The scene guard includes one of the platforms at Malvern Link train station, which means trains on the line towards Hereford are currently unable to stop at the station."
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