Alan Burren, 48, visited KFC in South Road, Haywards Heath, twice to start a fire.
On November 3, CCTV showed Burren, formerly of America Lane, Haywards Heath, entering KFC and heading for the toilets.
He left KFC moments later without informing staff or raising the alarm about the fire.
On January 5, he damaged a room at the Premier Inn in Perrymount Road, Haywards Heath, using a permanent marker on mirrors and sofas and using cutting tools on furniture.
On March 10, he started a fire at the KFC again in the toilets which was discovered by a member of the public who was left “engulfed in smoke”.
Officers from Mid Sussex Response completed a search of the area and found Burren near Clair Park.
Burren was charged with two counts of arson with recklessness as to whether life was endangered and criminal damage.
He was also found to be in possession of cocaine and was convicted for possession of a class A drug in a separate court hearing in June.
Burren pleaded guilty to two arson charges and a criminal damage charge at Lewes Crown Court on July 25.
He was sentenced to one year and eight months in prison.
Following the case, Detective Inspector Lee Simmonds said: “Burren’s actions were extremely reckless and put lives at risk.
“Burren’s behaviour put other people at risk and caused a great deal of concern in the community after the same restaurant was damaged twice in a matter of months.
“When Burren was arrested he was found wearing the same clothes as shown on CCTV footage and smelled of smoke.
“Detectives carried out CCTV enquiries and we were able to link him to the first arson in November last year.
“It meant the evidence against Burren was so strong that he had no choice but to plead guilty to the offences.
“We are pleased that a potentially dangerous man is now serving a custodial sentence.”
Source link
[Featured]
[Just In]
