Veteran's Gazebo Torched by Jealous Neighbor

A veteran's tranquility was shattered when a neighbor, allegedly driven by jealousy over his garden, set fire to his gazebo. The 66-year-old resident experienced a traumatic flashback to his military service in Northern Ireland, exacerbating his PTSD. CCTV footage captured the neighbor, 52, throwing a lit rag over the fence, igniting the structure.

The incident escalated when the neighbor attempted to downplay the arson, suggesting it was due to noise complaints, which the victim vehemently denied. The victim believes his neighbor's actions stemmed from envy over his hot tub and garden. The neighbor's subsequent note to the couple, offering compensation if police were not involved, further fueled their distress.

Appearing in court, the arsonist pleaded guilty and received a two-year suspended prison sentence, 200 hours of unpaid work, and a five-year restraining order, alongside £500 in compensation. The veteran, however, felt the punishment was too lenient, stating the perpetrator should have faced a longer custodial sentence given the malicious nature of the act and its impact.