Second man admits arson after pub destroyed by fire
A second man has admitted setting a pub on fire shortly before Christmas more than two years ago.
The Green Man in Clophill, Bedfordshire, was severely damaged, and eight people were taken to hospital on 21 December 2022.
Tony Button, 49, from Kempston, admitted arson with intent to endanger life at Luton Crown Court and is due to be sentenced on July 24.
In May 2024, Ian Chalmers, 67, from Campton, also pleaded guilty to arson with recklessness as to whether life was endangered.
Chalmers was given a two-year prison sentence, suspended for two years and was instructed to carry out 200 hours of community work and pay a £187 surcharge.
Follow Beds, Herts and Bucks news on BBC Sounds, Facebook, Instagram and X.
Pub arsonist given suspended prison sentence
Man admits to arson after pub destroyed by fire
Eight people taken to hospital after pub fire
HM Courts & Tribunals Service
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Yahoo
3 hours ago
- Yahoo
Man arrested after women and girls approached
A man has been arrested following reports that a number of women and girls had been approached by a person who had caused them concern. An employee in a town centre store in Dewsbury contacted officers on Tuesday and also posted about the incident on social media, a West Yorkshire Police spokesperson said. As a result, a 24-year-old man was arrested in the early hours of Thursday and remained in custody. Police said that three further potential victims had also been identified and spoken to by officers, and high visibility patrols would be increased in the town centre over the coming days to offer reassurance to the public. Dewsbury's neighbourhood policing team was aware of comments on social media from other females who said they had been approached by a man in the town centre, the force spokesperson said. Insp Liz Lockwood said officers were working to ensure that all victims were appropriately supported, adding that a "comprehensive investigation" would be carried out. "We will be increasing high visibility patrols in the town centre today and over the coming days to offer reassurance to the public, visit stores and reassure business owners and staff and to collate details of any further victims," she said. "If anyone else has been approached by a man in concerning circumstances that has caused them to feel harassed, alarmed or distressed, then I would urge them to come forward. "We are committed to protecting women and girls from violence and the fear of violence." Listen to highlights from West Yorkshire on BBC Sounds, catch up with the latest episode of Look North. West Yorkshire Police
Yahoo
3 hours ago
- Yahoo
Two men issued fines for hare coursing
Two men have been fined after they were found guilty of hare coursing in Lincolnshire. Edward Connors, 24, and Jerry Connors, 19, both of Rectory Lane, Woodmansterne, Banstead, Surrey, were arrested and charged after an incident in Crowland in March 2023. The pair, and two others, were found guilty of hunting a wild mammal with dogs and trespass during a trial in December 2023. Warrants for their arrests were later issued and they were sentenced at Lincoln Magistrates' Court on 29 May. Lincolnshire Police said officers had been called out on Sunday 12 March 2023 to reports of four men hare coursing. Witnesses reported seeing the men walking across fields with one driving a blue Daihatsu Terios 4x4 through newly planted crops. Following a short chase, the four members of the group were arrested. The pair were both individually fined £875 and ordered to pay £4929.83 compensation and a £350 victim surcharge. Coursers will walk along a field to frighten the hare into the open The dog catches the hare and kills it by "ragging" it - shaking the animal in its teeth The dogs - usually greyhounds, lurchers or salukis - are on a slip lead, threaded so it can be easily released The dead hare is usually left in the field or thrown in a ditch Hare coursing is illegal throughout the UK. The Hunting Act 2004, makes it an offence to hunt wild mammals with dogs Source: Lincolnshire Police Listen to highlights from Lincolnshire on BBC Sounds, watch the latest episode of Look North or tell us about a story you think we should be covering here. What is hare coursing and what impact does it have? Farmers fear criminal hare coursing gangs 'could kill someone' Keep out of our county, hare coursers told Lincolnshire Police
Yahoo
6 hours ago
- Yahoo
Village bicycle stands leave people racked off
Bike racks placed near a Worcestershire pub are so messy, according to tongue-in-cheek critics, they seem to have been installed under the influence of booze. Other miffed residents say the county council provision - on narrow pavement next to a road - takes up too much room, posing problems for wheelchairs. But not all feedback to a council Facebook post on the racks, outside the Queen Elizabeth Inn in Elmley Castle, has been gloomy. One user said the comments thread was simply "negative" and "toxic". Another added the stands had been "well used". The council has been contacted for comment. The authority previously said of the installation: "Whether you're out for a scenic spin or just pedalling to the pub, we've got you covered." That rationale, however, has not been enough to stop the naysayers from, well, racking up. The Spacing and angles of the apparatus have been criticised, along with resurfacing work. One Facebook user wrote: "What did they use to install them, a hand grenade?" Another joked that workers seemed to have put in the racks "after a few pints". One a more serious point, someone else remarked of the stands' siting: "That [pub] is a listed building and [the racks look] appalling! Where is the thought for the less mobile residents, wheelchairs and even parents with prams?" They added: "Waste of money in my opinion and detrimental to the character of this beautiful village and building." A commentator feeling more appreciative wrote: "Great initiative – it has been well used since the installation and is much appreciated." Elmley Castle is described by its parish council as "one of the most beautiful villages in Worcestershire and probably in England". The village nestles below the slopes of Bredon Hill in a designated Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Follow BBC Hereford & Worcester on BBC Sounds, Facebook, X and Instagram. Detectives and noxious locks take on bike thieves Worcestershire County Council
