A serial arsonist has been jailed for life after a court heard he posed a serious danger to people's lives.

Raymond Turney, 44, had earlier admitted to reckless arson after starting a fire at a home in Walton. He had also started fires on three earlier occasions.

Judge Rodger Hayward Smith QC, at Chelmsford Crown Court, said the public needed protection from Turney and he should not be released until he was no longer a danger.

Turney, of no fixed address, had started the fire on August 18 in the home in Crescent Road, Walton, where he was living at the time.

He has a previous conviction for arson. During an interview with a probation officer, he had confessed to a similar offence.

Judge Hayward Smith, who had requested psychiatric reports on Turney before sentencing, said: "I regard this type of offence so serious only a custodial sentence can be justified. Furthermore, I am afraid I have to say I regard you as a very dangerous man.

"On four occasions, you acted in a way which put lives of others in very serious danger. The public needs protection from very serious harm. I feel in my view you should not be released until you are no longer a danger. Otherwise, the time will come when you cause death or serious injury to others."

Turney was jailed for life. Judge Hayward Smith said he must serve three years before he can be considered for parole

Published Monday, April 14, 2003

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