MAN JAILED FOR BLOWING UP FAMILY HOME IN INHERITANCE DISPUTE

Darren Davies, 55, was sentenced to four years and four months in prison for causing an explosion at his childhood home in Hambleton, Lancashire on 27 March 2024. Davies used three gas cylinders, petrol and a lit candle to ignite the four-bedroom bungalow. He told a passerby after the blast: "If I can't have it, no one can." The property was valued at £260,000 according to one report.

Davies acted on a mistaken belief that he had been excluded from his parents' will, despite the court hearing evidence that the couple had left equal shares in the bungalow to him and his brother, Craig. The explosion destroyed the home and caused Craig Davies to lose all his possessions, including sentimental items and family photographs. Craig Davies is seeking over £170,000 in compensation. The court heard that Darren Davies had a history of mental health issues and was experiencing an "autism crisis" at the time of the incident.

Davies has since apologised for his actions. No further proceedings in relation to the case have been announced.