Kings Langley man jailed for six years after arson attack in which victim escapes unharmed from burning building
A Kings Langley man has been jailed for six years following an arson attack in which police said the victim was lucky to escape unharmed.
Neil Higgins, 50, of Nunfield, has been jailed for six years for reckless arson with intent to endanger life, and two years for arson, with the sentences due to run at the same time.
St Albans Crown Court heard how Higgins set fire to a shed in his rear garden in the early hours of August 1 2025 while another man, who was known to him, was inside the building.
The victim fled through the doorway and managed to escape as the structure became engulfed in flames.
After fleeing the scene, he sought help from a member of the public who contacted police.
The blaze spread to a dividing fence and then a neighbouring shed causing damage valued at £2,570.
Hertfordshire Constabulary and the judge both praised the quick actions of Hertfordshire’s Fire and Rescue Service, which prevented further damage.
Higgins pleaded guilty to arson at an earlier hearing and was subsequently found guilty of reckless arson with intent to endanger life at a trial.
Detective Constable Chloe Edmunds from Hertfordshire Constabulary’s Criminal Investigation Department said: “This was an extremely reckless act that could easily have resulted in a loss of life.
“The victim was incredibly fortunate to escape unharmed.
“The consequences of Higgins’ actions could have been far worse had it not been for the swift response from our colleagues in the fire service.”