Former Wetherspoons worker set fire to the pub after being sacked

Former Wetherspoons worker set fire to the pub after being sacked

A disgruntled ex-employee set fire to a Wetherspoons pub in a ‘reckless’ arson attack a month after being fired the month before.

During the early hours of Friday, October 21, 2022, police received a report from Cheshire Fire and Rescue Service of a suspected deliberate ignition at a JD Wetherspoon pub on Church Street, Runcorn.

CCTV from the venue showed a man setting a fire at the rear of the pub. Staff at the venue soon recognized the man to be William Morris who had previously been employed by the venue but had been dismissed the previous month.

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Morris was promptly arrested by officers at his home address. Clothing was seized from his bedroom which matched the description of the clothing seen on the CCTV, along with a mobile phone.

William Morris -Credit:Cheshire Constabulary

The 32-year-old, of Boston Avenue, Runcorn, was sentenced to 32 months in prison at Chester Crown Court on Friday, August 2 after pleading guilty to arson with recklessness as to whether life was endangered.

During his police interview, Morris initially denied the allegations and told officers he was at home when the offense took place.

However, following telecommunications analysis, officers were able to disprove Morris’ initial account as his phone was shown to be near the area where the incident took place. He was subsequently charged.

Cheshire Fire & Rescue said that had the fire developed further, it would have had the potential to spread to adjoining premises, posing a risk to life for residents. The total cost of the damage caused by Morris amounted to £1,385.

In addition to his sentence, he was issued a seven-year restraining order prohibiting him from returning to the venue.

Following the sentence, PC Morgan Bower said: “I am very pleased that this case has concluded, and the sentence Morris has received shows the gravity of his crime.

“Despite Morris initially denying the offence, significant evidence was obtained leaving him no choice but to plead guilty.

“I hope Morris uses this time behind bars to reflect on the recklessness of his actions.

“I also hope the sentence handed to Morris deters others from committing similar offenses – you will be caught, and you will be brought to justice.”