Model Appears in Court Over Alleged Attacks on PM's Former Homes
A 21-year-old Ukrainian male model, accused of orchestrating a series of arson attacks on properties connected to Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer, has made his first appearance at the Old Bailey. Roman Lavrynovych appeared via video link from HMP Belmarsh, confirming his name with the assistance of a Ukrainian interpreter.
Details of the Alleged Arson Incidents
The court heard details of three separate incidents alleged to have taken place in North London in May. On May 8, a Toyota RAV 4 was set alight in Kentish Town. Sir Keir had previously owned the vehicle before selling it to a neighbour the prior year.
Just three days later, on May 11, a fire was started at the front door of a house converted into flats in Islington. The Prime Minister had lived at that property during the 1990s. Firefighters were forced to rescue one person from the building following this attack.
The final alleged incident occurred in the early hours of May 12, when another blaze was started in Kentish Town. Lavrynovych is accused of being behind this fire along with two co-defendants: 26-year-old Romanian Stanislav Carpiuc and 34-year-old Ukrainian Petro Pochynok.
The Defendants and Charges
All three men face serious charges related to the incidents. Lavrynovych and Pochynok are both charged with one count of arson with intent to endanger life. Carpiuc, who will be arraigned at a later date, faces the same charge.
Lavrynovych, who worked as a roofer, faces additional charges. He is charged with three counts of arson with intent to endanger life. The court heard that he is alleged to have purchased fuel from B&Q in the days leading up to the attacks.
The backgrounds of the defendants reveal aspirations beyond the allegations. Carpiuc had posted on a modelling website about his ambition to become the 'top male model in the world'. He is a graduate of Canterbury Christ Church University in Kent, where he studied business, and had been working in construction since completing his course in January.
A trial date has been set for April 27 next year and will be heard before a High Court judge at the Old Bailey. While Pochynok and Lavrynovych have denied the charge, the legal proceedings are now firmly underway.
