A man from Hambleton, Lancashire, has been sentenced to four years and four months in prison for setting fire to his family home amid a dispute over inheritance. Darren Davies, 55, deliberately ignited a blaze at the four-bedroom bungalow valued at approximately £260,000 on March 27, 2025, months after the deaths of his parents.

Davies, who lived in the property with his brother Craig, told a passer-by after emerging from the burning house that if he could not have the house, no one could. Neighbors reported hearing a loud bang prior to the fire, which was brought under control by firefighters before it could spread to surrounding buildings. Authorities discovered gas cylinders placed in multiple rooms, petrol in the loft, and a lit candle in the house, indicating a calculated attempt to cause extensive damage.

Craig Davies, who was not present at Preston Crown Court during sentencing, stated in a victim personal statement that the brothers’ parents had left equal shares of the property to both sons. He recounted informing Darren the previous year of his intention to sell the house and divide their inheritance, a process that would not be immediate. However, Darren Davies became convinced of the existence of a supposed secret will favoring Craig alone, a belief described by the prosecutor as unfounded. This led to accusations against his brother of conspiring against him.

The fire destroyed nearly all of Craig’s possessions, including his extensive CD collection, which he estimated had a value of £20,000. He has sought more than £170,000 in compensation, covering his half share of the bungalow and the contents lost in the fire. According to Craig, only an extension added by their father before his passing remained intact.

The defense highlighted Davies’ long history of mental health problems, including bipolar disorder, depression, anxiety, and autism spectrum disorder. A psychiatric evaluation described him as being in an “autism crisis” at the time of the arson. Defense attorney Neil Ronan emphasized Davies’ prior role as the primary caregiver for his parents over a decade and noted the defendant’s regret for endangering the community and family. Davies also submitted a letter of apology expressing remorse for his actions.

Judge Parry acknowledged the case’s seriousness but took into account Davies’ early guilty plea and reduced culpability due to his mental health conditions. The judge ordered Davies to serve half of his sentence in custody, with the remainder to be served on licence. No injuries were reported as a result of the fire.