Man jailed for 15 years for Burnhope arson

A man has been jailed for 15 years after being found guilty of firing shots and throwing petrol bombs at a house in Burnhope.

Officers were called to an address in Front Street on Friday, December 5 last year at about 5.15pm following reports a firearm had been discharged.

Glass bottles containing petrol were also thrown at the house and as a result a fire started in the garden of the property, but it was quickly extinguished.

Thankfully, no-one was injured.

An investigation was launched and Iain Boddy was identified as a suspect.

He was subsequently arrested and charged with a number of offences, which he denied.

The wick of the petrol bomb was found to contain the DNA of Boddy, of Bishop Auckland.

Glass bottles, similar to those that were used to make the petrol bombs, were also found at the 44-year-old’s place of work.

A jury at Durham Crown Court today unanimously found Boddy guilty of possession of a firearm with intent to endanger life and arson with intent to endanger life.

He was found not guilty of attempted arson with intent to endanger life in relation to an incident at an address in Broom Hill, Stanley, shortly after 9pm on Christmas Day.

Temporary Detective Chief Inspector Hannah Wilson, of Durham Constabulary, said: “The attack in Burnhope was deliberate and terrifying for those who live there.

“It could easily have ended in tragedy.

“This level of violence will not be tolerated in County Durham, and we will remain relentless, with the support of our partners and our communities, in our pursuit to disrupt and dismantle criminal fraternities that operate across our county.

“I would like to thank the community for their support, and the assistance of partner agencies throughout our investigation.

“I would urge anyone who has concerns about criminal activity in their area to contact us on 101 or Crimestoppers 0800 555 111.”