A 55-year-old man was sentenced to more than four years in prison after setting fire to the family home he believed he was being unfairly denied an inheritance. Darren Davies ignited a blaze at the four-bedroom bungalow in Hambleton, Lancashire, in July, resulting in a significant explosion that left only one wall standing.

Davies and his brother Craig had been living together in the property since their parents died in 2024. According to court accounts, Davies became convinced he was the victim of a scheme to block his inheritance. On the day of the incident, he placed three gas cylinders inside the £260,000 home, doused the premises with petrol, and lit a candle, causing the explosion.

Craig was not at the property during the fire as he was at work. Davies, who remained inside during the incident, suffered only minor injuries. Emergency responders reported that Davies told them he intended to commit suicide and "take the house with him." A nearby witness recounted hearing Davies say: "My family want the house – if I can’t have it, no one can."

Davies pleaded guilty to arson during his hearing at Preston Crown Court. He was sentenced to four years and four months in prison. Craig Davies stated that their parents left wills granting both brothers equal shares of the property. He also mentioned having informed Darren that he intended to sell the house and divide the proceeds but had no immediate plans to do so. Despite this, Darren repeatedly accused his brother of conspiring against him.

The court was informed that Darren Davies, who has a background in the music industry touring with bands, has a long history of mental health challenges, including bipolar disorder. Before sentencing, he submitted a letter apologizing to his brother, family, and neighbors. The judge took into account his early guilty plea and recognized a reduction in his culpability due to his mental health condition when determining the sentence.