A factory worker who caused more than £1 million worth of damage by setting fire to his own workplace has been jailed. Ajay Ajay carried out the arson attack at Natsons Midland Packaging Limited in Leicester on January 25.
CCTV captures purchase of fuel
CCTV captured the 31-year-old purchasing a jerry can and fuel from a petrol station before heading to the factory, where toilet and kitchen rolls are made. After breaking in under the cover of darkness, he placed tissue paper in several components of a machine before setting fire to it.
The blaze caused significant damage and resulted in the business working on a reduced level for almost six months.
Investigation leads to arrest
CCTV led detectives to identify Ajay, of Thurmaston, Leicestershire, but he was not at home when officers visited his address. Clothing matching what the suspect was wearing that evening was found, and Ajay handed himself into a police station a few days later. Further searches at his home found a bank card, which had been used to purchase the jerry can and fuel.
Guilty plea and sentencing
Ajay pleaded guilty to arson and burglary in June and was jailed for three years on Wednesday (August 26). Detective Constable Shannon Clare, of Leicestershire Police, said: "When Ajay was interviewed, he stayed silent throughout, he gave no account as to why he committed the offence."
She added: "The business was not operating fully for several months and many employees were left without a job. The damage to the machinery was in excess of £1m, Ajay showed no remorse for the impact his actions had on many people. The evidence against Ajay was overwhelming and he had no choice but to plead guilty."
Clare concluded: "We are pleased with the outcome of this case and hope it helps the victims move on from the events of January and rebuild their business."
