Andrew Watson, a victim who lost his newly purchased van to a serial arsonist’s reckless actions, has commended Essex County Police for their rapid response and effective handling of the case. The incident occurred in Red Barn Road, Brightlingsea, where Watson was startled awake at 2am by his vehicle alarm to discover his van in flames. As someone employed in the heritage craft industry, the loss extended beyond the vehicle to his work tools and a sat nav stored inside.
Source: Youtube Essex Police
Investigation footage captured the arsonist, Todd Colbourne, skulking around Watson’s van just before setting it alight. The collaboration of Watson and other community members played a vital role in swiftly identifying Colbourne as the perpetrator. Mr. Watson expressed his appreciation for the police’s proactive approach, stating:
“When the officers arrived I showed them our video footage and they called for additional support. What was absolutely fantastic was the police response in actually swamping the area with cars and bodies, allowing them to get him that night.”
Andrew Watsons van - Source Essex Police
Colbourne, 32, had reportedly been drinking at a pub in Dean Street, Brightlingsea, before embarking on his arson spree. He was observed trying car door handles in the vicinity before being caught on CCTV behind Watson’s van and then heading towards another address. After Watson’s van was set ablaze, he moved two other vehicles from his driveway to prevent further damage.
Essex Police, alongside Essex Fire and Rescue Service, responded to several calls and discovered another arson attack involving a second van at a nearby address. This second fire caused significant damage to two properties, endangering residents, including a one-year-old child. Officers also found evidence of forced entry and attempted arson in several other vehicles in the area.
A second van, also in Red Barn Road, was set alight, causing damage to two properties -Source Essex Police
Colbourne was arrested near the scene, found with multiple lighters, a large amount of change, a high vis jumper, and other items believed to be stolen. Further searches revealed phone chargers, jewellery, a wallet, and multiple pairs of scissors. Despite his initial refusal to cooperate, the overwhelming evidence led Colbourne to admit to all 18 charges against him, including arson being reckless as to whether life is endangered, attempted theft, theft, and vehicle interference.
He was sentenced to six years in prison at Chelmsford Crown Court. Victims affected by Colbourne’s actions shared their impact statements in court, highlighting the extensive personal and emotional toll of his crimes. Mr. Watson reflected on the broader implications of the arson, affecting not just him but his family and others reliant on their services. An anonymous victim lamented the lack of consideration and humanity in Colbourne’s actions and the ensuing hardship in restoring their home.
Detective Constable Ben Stammers, the officer in the case, emphasized the recklessness of Colbourne’s actions and the consequent risk to life. He praised the public’s involvement in assisting the police and expressed hope that the victims would find solace in Colbourne’s imprisonment.
“Colbourne’s actions were utterly reckless and without regard to the serious harm which could have been caused to residents in the vicinity of these fires. Aside from that risk to life, he also left residents to deal with the fallout of his mindless actions – the damage left in the wake of his arson spree. We were quickly on the scene of this incident and worked with members of the public – who were instrumental in providing our officers with intelligence – to arrest the culprit quickly. These reports were immediately treated very seriously. No-one deserves to lose their property to the actions of arsonists like Colbourne. I hope the victims can take some solace from the fact he will spend a considerable term behind bars for his actions.” – Detective Constable Ben Stammers
Source: Essex Police
