Shocking Arson Attacks in Brighton: Two Sentenced as Police Release Dramatic Footage.
Damatic police footage has revealed the devastating aftermath of a series of arson attacks that set Brighton homes ablaze and left a woman and her dog trapped. Following a thorough investigation, two individuals have now been sentenced, with further sentences pending.
Chaos in Brighton: Fires and a Narrow Escape
The first incident occurred on 24 September 2023, when emergency services were called to a Range Rover fire on Downsway, Woodingdean, at around 9:10pm. The vehicle’s front end was engulfed in flames.
The following evening, 25 September, a more serious blaze broke out on Downs Terrace, Brighton. Flames quickly spread to a house, trapping a woman and her dog inside. They narrowly escaped through an upstairs window onto the roof before the fire consumed the
property.
In a separate incident the same night, a fire was discovered outside a property in Norwich Crescent, Brighton. Although damage was limited to a window frame, investigators confirmed that accelerants had been used in all three cases.
Four Suspects Arrested and Charged
An intensive police investigation identified four suspects connected to the fires:
Callum Radband, 26, of Curf Way, Burgess Hill
Elle-Mai Dunford, 21, of Grove Road, Eastbourne
Marcus Murphy, 28, of Cantelupe Road, Bexhill-on-Sea
Bronnie Richards, 26, of Cantelupe Road, Bexhill-on-Sea.
Key Evidence and Arrests
Radband was arrested on 5 October 2023, with Dunford detained shortly after on 13 October. Evidence, including CCTV footage and videos of the fires, linked the suspects to the crimes. Further footage confirmed the involvement of Murphy and Richards in the Norwich Crescent fire.
Guilty Verdicts and Sentencing
On 9 October 2024, Dunford pleaded guilty to all charges at Hove Crown Court. A trial for Radband, Murphy, and Richards began on 5 November 2024 at Lewes Crown Court, lasting nearly four weeks.
On 2 December 2024:
Radband was found guilty of two counts of arson, reckless as to whether life was endangered, in connection with the Downs Terrace and Norwich Crescent fires.
Murphy and Richards were found guilty of arson related to the Norwich Crescent fire.
Radband and Dunford were sentenced at Lewes Crown Court on 20 January 2025.
Dunford: 7 years and 4 months in prison.
Radband: 7 years and 8 months in prison.
Murphy and Richards are due to be sentenced on 17 February 2025.
Police Statement
Detective Emily Farley from east Sussex Police, leading the investigation, said:
"This was a deeply concerning series of incidents where multiple fires were deliberately set, causing significant damage and putting lives at risk. The community’s cooperation was crucial in piecing together evidence. The sentences reflect the gravity of these crimes, and we await further justice for the roles of Murphy and Richards."
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