AN alcoholic arsonist has been sentenced to seven and a half years in prison.

Sam Brown, 26, of no fixed abode, forced the evacuation of more than 30 flats last August by setting fires near gas supplies.

Brown admitted the charge of arson with intent to endanger life in January and today was sent down at Basildon Crown Court.

Sentencing Brown, Judge Samantha Leigh, said: "There is no question that a substahtial custodial sentence must follow your actions.

"The stark reality is that when you are sober you would never dream of doing this but your alcohol dependency was so deep seated that you knew no other way to live." 

  • For the full story see Monday's Echo