A man who set two homeless man in Croydon on fire as they slept to try and "impress a girl" has been sentenced to five years in jail.
Montel Nowhia-Job, 23 from Croydon, south London, targeted two rough sleepers in June 2019 and was arrested two days after the attacks after being spotted on CCTV wearing a distinctive tracksuit.
The victims were attacked in George Street and Surrey Street in Croydon and both suffered minor burns in the attack.
Nowhia-Job was sentenced to five years in custody and a further three years on an extended licence at Croydon Crown Court sitting at Southwark Crown Court on Monday, September 27.
He had previously pleaded guilty to two counts of arson being reckless as to whether life was endangered in connection with the incidents.
The first victim was targeted at around 3am on June 10 2019 where he was sleeping outside the Crisis Centre in Surrey Street, Croydon.
He suffered minor burns and his sleeping bag, several items of clothing and important identification documents were all destroyed by the fire.
Around an hour later, Nowhia-Job attacked a second sleeping homeless person on George Street, Croydon, who also suffered minor burns and blisters to his hands.
The victim woke up because his clothes were on fire, and his sleeping bag, clothes and cash were all destroyed.
A 17-year-old-girl was arrested at the time of the incidents, but was not charged in connection with them.
The CPS successfully applied for compensation for the victims.
Robert Levack, from the Crown Prosecution Service, said: "People who are homeless are already vulnerable because they do not have a safe place to call home.
"Montel Nowhia-Job's actions were frightening, reckless and could have had grave consequences for these men.
"Although neither of the victims received serious injuries, they have both suffered significant psychological trauma as a result of these arson attacks.
"I hope this prosecution goes some way to reassuring those sleeping rough that they should report crimes against them to the police, and that the CPS will support them by taking their cases to court where there is the evidence to do so."
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereLast Updated:
Report this comment Cancel