A family narrowly escaped death after their home was petrol-bombed in a case of mistaken identity linked to a gangland feud. Stuart and Claire Marsden had returned from an evening out and gone to bed shortly before 1am when they were woken by a loud crash.
Mr Marsden went downstairs to investigate and found a fire engulfing their rented end-of-terrace property in Bury. Both managed to flee the inferno, with their children staying elsewhere that night. The home sustained extensive damage and remains unfit for occupation nine months later.
Attack caught on CCTV
CCTV footage showed Jody Lynam and a second unidentified perpetrator approaching the residence at about 1.40am on January 18. The unidentified individual smashed a window before Lynam poured accelerant through the opening. An explosion erupted and both attackers fled.
Lynam was arrested after DNA recovered from a balaclava he had abandoned nearby was matched to him. Minshull Street Crown Court heard that drug-dependent Lynam and his accomplice had been following instructions from a narcotics supplier, who coerced them into attacking a competing dealer's premises to send a message and instil fear.
Judge's sentencing remarks
The pair were told the address would be unoccupied, but it resulted in a catastrophic case of mistaken identity. A judge stated: "This could have been multiple people killed," before handing Lynam a prison sentence of six years and nine months.
Prosecuting barrister Anthony Williams described how Mr Marsden alerted his wife to evacuate as they rescued their dog and called emergency services. The blaze was extinguished but caused damage exceeding £113,000.
Victim impact statements
In a statement delivered on his behalf, Mr Marsden said: "I have absolutely no reason why anyone would want to do this." He described being left 'traumatised' and experiencing 'constant stress'. "I am constantly on edge and keep thinking my whole family could have been wiped out, for no reason at all," he added.
Mrs Marsden said: "We have lost everything. The children have lost all their Christmas stuff. It is going to take so long to build everything back up. I have done nothing to deserve this." The couple work as a social worker and a school site manager.
Lynam has 122 prior offences on his criminal record. Defence counsel Adam Brown said Lynam had been suffering poor health before the arson incident and developed an addiction to crack cocaine after being discharged from hospital. He stated Lynam's residence had been 'commandeered' by drug dealers and that he was 'highly intoxicated' during the attack. He is 'genuinely remorseful' and in a 'much better position' than when initially remanded in custody, Mr Brown stated.
The family were first housed in a hotel before being moved to temporary accommodation. The property remains uninhabitable. "This was an extremely serious offence," Judge Jenny Lester-Ashworth told Lynam. Lynam, of Hardfield Street, Heywood, admitted arson being reckless as to whether life was endangered.
