A man caused an explosion that destroyed his childhood home due to a mistaken belief that he had been excluded from inheriting the property, a court revealed. Darren Davies, 55, set ablaze the £260,000 four-bedroom detached bungalow he shared with his brother, Craig, in Hambleton, Lancashire, following their parents’ passing in 2024. The incident occurred on March 27 around 9:50 am, leading to a massive blast that engulfed the property in flames and dense black smoke, as disclosed in Preston Crown Court.
Witnesses observed debris and glass being hurled out in the explosion, resulting in significant damage to the bungalow with the roof collapsing into the lower rooms. Despite emerging unharmed from the side of the house, Davies informed a passerby that he did not want anyone else to have the house if he couldn’t have it. He also admitted to neighbors, police, and paramedics that he had contemplated suicide. Fortunately, firefighters managed to contain the fire before it spread to nearby properties.
An investigation revealed the placement of three gas cylinders in different areas of the house along with petrol in the loft and a lit candle. The court learned that the fire’s exact origin could not be determined due to its intensity, but it was established that a naked flame was applied to combustible materials with an accelerant to fuel the fire’s growth.
Davies was sentenced to four years and four months in prison after pleading guilty to reckless arson, endangering lives. Craig Davies, in a victim personal statement, clarified that the property had been bequeathed to both brothers equally in their parents’ wills. He expressed shock over Darren’s unfounded claims of a secret will favoring only him. Despite the devastating loss of personal items and family memorabilia in the fire, Craig emphasized the community’s support and kindness.
The court noted that Davies had a history of mental health issues, including bipolar disorder, depression, anxiety, and autism spectrum disorder. A psychiatric evaluation indicated his mental instability at the time of the incident, citing an “autism crisis.” In a letter to the judge, Davies apologized for his actions and the harm caused to his family and the community.
His defense lawyer highlighted Davies’ progress in custody with psychiatric care and medication, emphasizing the need for support upon release. The judge acknowledged the gravity of the case, considering Davies’ mental health struggles and reduced responsibility due to his disorder. Davies was ordered to serve part of his sentence in custody and the rest on license.
Following the sentencing, Joanne Close from the Crown Prosecution Service expressed sympathy for Davies’s family, particularly his brother, acknowledging the irreplaceable loss of possessions and memories in the tragic incident. The impact on the family members was described as profound, necessitating reliance on community support during this challenging time.