Martin Foley, a 41-year-old man with no fixed address, has been sentenced to three years in prison after deliberately setting fire to a rented terraced house in Larput Place, Cheltenham. The incident on October 20, 2024, caused extensive damage to the property and endangered lives.
The situation escalated after Foley called the police following an argument with his partner, during which he issued a threat to stab an officer if they did not respond. Inside the home, internal CCTV footage captured Foley moving around with a large kitchen knife. When officers arrived at 11:15 a.m., they found thick smoke emanating from the building, prompting the evacuation of nearby residents as the fire raged through the mid-terrace property.
Uncertain if others remained inside, police attempted to search the smoke-filled house but were forced to wait for the fire service. In a risky move, an officer climbed onto a fragile roof to reach Foley, who was hanging from an upstairs window. The officer successfully pulled Foley to safety, but he became aggressive during the rescue and spat in the officer’s face.
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Bodycam footage played in court showed the gravity of the fire and Foley’s precarious position. Firefighters managed to control the blaze before neighbouring homes suffered damage, though the targeted property required major refurbishment. A statement from a co-owner expressed shock and distress over the deliberate act, highlighting the trauma inflicted.
During questioning, Foley largely declined to comment but apologized for assaulting the officer. The assaulted officer later recounted the difficult rescue, describing how Foley spat directly into his eye, a shocking moment while attempting to save a life.
The tenant, who rented the property, shared an emotional statement detailing the financial and psychological toll, having witnessed the fire’s devastation from hundreds of miles away.
Foley pleaded guilty on December 17, 2024, to charges including arson with recklessness as to whether life was endangered, threats to kill, and assaulting an emergency worker. He received a three-year sentence, serving half before eligibility for release, with a 25% reduction for his guilty plea.
In court, Foley’s defence highlighted his disinhibition due to cocaine use and fear of his partner, who did not provide a statement. Despite his actions, references attested to Foley’s good behaviour while in custody, and he showed remorse.
Judge Rupert Lowe acknowledged the officers’ bravery in risking their safety during the emergency and recognized the profound suffering caused by Foley’s actions. He affirmed the sincerity of Foley’s remorse, noting the lasting impact on victims.
Detective Constable Gareth Wright emphasized the potential catastrophe of the fire and condemned the assault on emergency personnel. He also acknowledged the distress faced by the tenant and property owners, who continue to deal with the aftermath.