13 January 2009

Issued jointly with Thames Valley Police

A 28-year-old man from High Wycombe was jailed Tuesday 6 January after being found guilty of arson.

Daniel Dusek, from Berkeley Road, Loudwater, was sentenced to two years and eight months in prison at Reading Crown Court for setting fire to a car in London Road, Loudwater, on 9 October 2008.

PC Robert Page, from the Hazlemere neighbourhood policing team, said: “The sentence handed out today reflects the seriousness of Dusek’s actions. Luckily nobody was seriously hurt, but what he did on that evening could have had more serious consequences.

“Behaviour like this will not be tolerated and I hope this sentence sends out a clear message that people who choose to behave in this way will be brought to justice.”

He added: “This success is thanks to the tireless work of partner agencies and the local community and we will continue to work together to ensure a safer neighbourhood.”

Karen Lock, Buckinghamshire Fire & Rescue Service's Arson Intelligence Officer, who was commended by the Crown Prosecution Service for her work on the case, said: “Arson is a serious matter and the sentence reflects this.

"Fire and smoke can so easily kill, injure and damage property. Anyone who is contemplating setting fires deliberately and committing arson should take heed that society will not tolerate this.”