Peterborough Man Jailed 33 Months for Bedroom Arson Attempting Council House

John Hodson, a 36-year-old man from Netherton near Peterborough, was sentenced to two years and nine months in prison after setting fire to the mattress in his bedroom at his father's house in an attempt to secure a council property. The fire, started with a lighter on April 15, 2025, quickly got out of control, and although a lodger attempted to extinguish it with water, the fire service was ultimately called. The room sustained significant damage from fire, soot, and smoke, and Hodson's father was affected by the smoke but no one was seriously injured. Hodson pleaded guilty to arson with recklessness as to whether life was endangered at Peterborough Crown Court. Detective Constable Robert Wallis commented that Hodson is fortunate no one was harmed and emphasized the need for Hodson to receive mental health support, hoping the sentence marks the beginning of his rehabilitation. The incident underscores the dangers of reckless actions driven by desperation for housing.