A 34-year-old man has been jailed after he started a fire in a block of flats. 

In March of this year, Edward Teagle attended a party on the third floor in a block of flats in Harwich. 

During the party Teagle had an argument with his partner.

He left the flat and went down to the second floor, where he used a lighter to set several curtains and the carpet in the communal hallway alight. 

East Anglian Daily Times: Edward Teagle Edward Teagle (Image: Essex Police)

Officers arrived at the scene and arrested Teagle when he was found with a lighter in his possession. 

DC Fletcher Devlin, of Clacton Domestic Abuse Investigations Team, said: “Confronted with the CCTV footage showing him committing the offences, Teagle was left with no choice but to confirm his presence at the scene. 

“He claimed he could not remember committing the offences due to being intoxicated, but this is no excuse for his reckless actions.

“It is incredibly lucky we weren’t confronted with a far worse outcome.”

Teagle was charged and, due to the weight of evidence compiled against him, admitted arson with recklessness as to whether life was endangered.

Appearing at Chelmsford Crown Court on Thursday, August 24, Teagle of Norway Crescent, Harwich, was sentenced to two years and six months imprisonment. 

DS Thomas Vickers, of Clacton DAIT, added: “Teagle’s actions risked the lives of multiple people living in that block of flats. 

“He had been involved in an argument and saw fit to express his anger and displeasure by engaging in an utterly mindless act.

“Thanks to the quick work of my team, we were able to gather concrete evidence leading to a solid conviction. 

“Teagle will spend a term behind bars to reflect on his actions.”