A Sudanese asylum seeker who set fire to a hotel in Bradford while around 170 people were inside has been jailed for two years and seven months. Mohammed Abdalla, 28, started the blaze in his room at the five-storey Bradford Hotel on Hall Ings after being ordered to leave due to poor behaviour on October 31 last year.
Fire started in room area
Bradford Crown Court heard that Abdalla had been lingering in the lobby with his luggage for hours. After repeatedly demanding to be allowed back into his room, staff eventually permitted him entry, shortly before the hotel's fire alarm sounded.
Staff rushed upstairs and found the Sudanese migrant sitting on a chair smiling at them. According to Tayo Dasaolu, prosecuting, the fire had been started in the TV and desk area of his room and caused over £4,000 worth of damage.
Sentencing and background
Imran Khan, mitigating, said Abdalla had been in hospital with mental health issues 10 days before starting the fire and had begun taking medication since being detained. Abdalla admitted arson being reckless as to whether life would be endangered and was jailed for two years and seven months.
Recorder Ella Anderson, sentencing, told him his actions "put all of those people at risk," describing the fire as "extremely serious." She praised the response of staff in tackling the blaze, adding: "There were 150 to 160 residents and 10 members of staff. There was a significant risk of serious physical harm given the environment and how populated this hotel was."
