Former firefighter sentenced for plotting series of fires in Shropshire and Powys
A former retained firefighter from Pontesbury has today been sentenced at Shrewsbury Crown Court after he admitted to plotting a series of fires in Shropshire and Powys.
David Pearson, aged 32 and of Station Road, Pontesbury, had previously pleaded guilty to conspiracy to destroy or damage property relating to five separate incidents involving vehicles between July and September 2014.
Pearson, who at the time of the incidents was a retained firefighter with Shropshire Fire and Rescue Service, was given a five years and four months custodial sentence.
Detective Sergeant Mat Crisp said: "Pearson was employed to save lives, protect property and serve the community. Instead, he conspired to destroy or damage the very property he should have been helping to protect.
"His motive may never be fully understood, but what is clear is that he had no consideration for the potentially devastating consequences of his actions.
"I would like to thank our colleagues at the fire service for making swift contact with the police as soon as suspicions arose. They have been supportive and cooperative throughout the whole investigation. I would not want the actions of this man to undermine the fantastic job the fire service do every day."
