A man from Rochdale has been jailed again after he terrorised an innocent family in a 'misdirected attempt at revenge' which destroyed their home in a fire and left them homeless.
On Thursday, November 16 last year, Phillip Humphrey met with two friends in Rochdale town centre where the group drank alcohol and shots before taking the party back to the house he was staying in after being released from prison.
In the early hours of the next morning, Friday (November 17), Humphrey visited a home on Oldham Road on three separate occasions.
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The 42-year-old thought the occupants of the home had done wrong but were entirely innocent.
In the first incident, Humphrey smashed the windows of the property while the owner and her young children were inside.
The police were called and the family decided to stay elsewhere after feeling "extremely unsafe".
The second time Humphrey returned, he caused further damage to the property by gaining access.
On the third occasion, he set a fire which went on to completely destroy the family's clothes and belongings, including items of significant sentimental value.
The fire was so extreme that it rendered the property inhabitable and the young family homeless.
On Tuesday (October 22), Humphrey, of no fixed abode, appeared before Minshull Street Crown Court.
He pleaded guilty to criminal damage and arson (being reckless as to whether life would be endangered) and was jailed for five years.
Detective Constable Russ Clarke of Rochdale CID said: “The family who lived at this property have lost everything they own, their clothes and all their belongings, including items of significant sentimental value.
"The fire devastated the property leaving it uninhabitable.
“The smashing of the windows whilst this family were present caused them severe distress, with the occupant and children believing that somebody was coming inside to harm them.
"It caused such distress that they decided to leave the property for the night and stay elsewhere in case those responsible returned.
“Humphrey returned twice more, to carry out what can only be described as pre-meditated acts of violence, solely designed to cause terror upon the young family.
“Humphrey evaded the police for over two months before finally being arrested.
"During his interview, Humphrey denied setting the fire and sought to implicate others, taking no responsibility for his actions.
"It was only when further evidence was gathered that Humphrey accepted his full involvement and pleaded guilty.
“The impact on this family has been immeasurable and this is clear within the victim impact statement read out at court.
"They remain homeless and are faced with rebuilding their lives once more.
"I hope that the conviction of Humphrey provides them with some level of comfort in what continues to be a very difficult time for them.”
Got a story? Email me Olivia.bridge@newsquest.co.uk
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