Shopkeeper torched own premises

He pleaded guilty to burning down his own shop and then trying to obtain compensation from the Northern Ireland Office and was sentenced to two years in prison.

Business had been “dropping off” so he tried to solve his financial problems by claiming compensation.

Considerable damage was caused to the two-storey building, with the first floor gutted.

He had apparently discussed burning the shop with the help of two soldiers.

In a statement to police, one soldier admitted he had “conned” the defendant to get “free kit” from him.

Both soldiers had received a canteen of cutlery, but did not take part in the arson, and eventually the defendant started the fire by himself by sprinkling the floor of the drapery and fancy goods shop with petrol.