Man jailed having been found guilty of Letchworth arson

A man has been sentenced to four and a half years in prison having been found guilty of arson in Letchworth town centre at St Albans Crown Court today (Tuesday 9 January).

Two fires were deliberately started on Station Road in the early hours of Tuesday 11 October 2022. The USA Fried Chicken Shop and a parked vehicle were targeted. No injuries were sustained during the incidents, however a significant amount of damage was caused.

Amal Perera, aged 37, of no fixed address, was arrested and charged with two counts of arson. He was also charged with theft having stolen a reflective jacket from The Three Magnets pub, Leys Avenue and sachets from the Premier Inn, Station Road.

Perera appeared at court via videolink from prison where he was sentenced to four and a half years in jail. He will also be eligible to be considered for early deportation to Sri Lanka 18 months before the expiry of his sentence.

Detective Constable Eleri Clarke, of the North Herts Local Crime Unit, said: “Deliberately setting fires is incredibly reckless and in this case thousands of pounds worth of damage was caused to a business and a vehicle was written off due to the fire damage.

“Fortunately, no one was injured during these incidents.

“Perera will have time to reflect on his actions in prison.”