Detectives welcome sentence for Highley burglar and arsonist
Detectives today welcomed the sentence handed down to a man who burgled two properties in Highley before setting light to one of them, completely destroying part of the town rugby club.
Gavin Winwood was today handed an indeterminate sentence for public protection, of which he must serve at least 577 days before even being considered for release, at Shrewsbury Crown Court after admitting arson at an earlier hearing.
He was also sentenced to a further eight months to run consecutively for one count of burglary and six months for a second count of burglary, to run concurrent to the previous two sentences.
Police were called to Highley Rugby Club on the evening of Wednesday 9th February 2011, after a member of the public came across the fire, which destroyed a changing room and storage building at the site.
Winwood was found in the area, carrying both a black laptop and a carrier bag containing rugby shirts and bibs belonging to the club.
He was arrested at the scene by officers and further enquiries showed the laptop had been stolen during a burglary at a house in Cranmore Drive earlier that day.
Detective Constable Chris Thomas, of Bridgnorth CID, said Winwood admitted the offences in interview and was later charged with two counts of burglary and one count of arson without intent to endanger life.
“The whole of Highley lost an important facility as a result of Mr Winwood’s actions, as the club is a big part of the community,” he said.
“A large number of witnesses came forward, which greatly assisted us in bringing charges against the offender and I thank those people for all their help.
“Burglary has a hugely personal effect on victims and police are committed to pursuing offenders and bringing them to justice.”
DC Thomas added that West Mercia Police and the Safer Strong Communities Partnership had assisted Highley Rugby Club in the aftermath of the incident.
“The determination of the founders and all others involved with the rugby club to rebuild and get back into helping the local area is admirable,” he said.
“In addition to the building, the fire destroyed equipment that the club often used for charity and other events in the community and police have secured £500 from the Safer Stronger Communities Partnership to help with rebuilding.”
