Jane Reilly and Alan Archer were 'callous and cruel'

Detective Constable Neil Utley, from Southend CID, has spoken of the suffering the victim suffered at the hands of Jane Reilly and Alan Archer, who doused a man in his 40s in petrol, before setting him alight.

Reilly, 53, of Fairmead Avenue, Westcliff, and 33 year old Archer, of Dexter Close, Grays, were jailed for 24 years each for attempted murder.

Alan Archer

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They were arrested after police officers attending the incident had become suspicious of a vehicle being driven past the address several times and they even stopped to ask the victims’ partner if she was ok.

At their trial, the court heard they had attacked the victim after Reilly was angry he had pawned a watch, worth only a few pounds, that she had given him.

They were convicted following a trial at Basildon Crown Court on 19th May and at the same court the following day were each given jail sentences of 24 years.

Mr Utley said: “What the victim experienced would have been terrifying and will affect him mentally and physically for some time.

“The length of these sentences highlights just how serious this incident was and while nothing will turn the clock back for the victim, I hope this will help him move forward.”