Stay up to date with notifications from The Independent

Notifications can be managed in browser preferences.

Six life sentences for death fire teenager

Tuesday 30 November 1993 19:02 EST
Comments

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

A TEENAGER who started a fire in a department store, in which two people died and more than 80 others were injured, was given six life sentences yesterday.

Peter Lomas, 15, started the fire at the Littlewoods store in Chesterfield, Derbyshire, because he 'liked seeing fire engines in action'.

Two pensioners, died after being trapped in the store's cafeteria as the fire spread through the building in May this year.

Mr Justice Drake told Lomas, of Old Whittington, Chesterfield, that he would be locked up until he was no longer a danger to the public.

Nottingham Crown Court was told Lomas had watched the rescue operation and within days had set three more fires in shops and the town library. 'He said he chose big shops because they would attract more fire-engines,' Andrew Hamilton, for the prosecution, said.

In September this year Lomas also set fire to his room at a secure unit in an attempt to kill himself.

Lomas admitted two charges of manslaughter and three charges of damaging property being reckless as to whether life was endangered, all in May this year. He also admitted a further charge of reckless arson in September this year at the secure unit where he was being held.

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in