The victim of a shocking arson attack in Freshwater has spoken out about what he calls serious Police failings and the alleged involvement of a firefighter, after seeing the woman who torched his 4×4 walk free from court with a suspended sentence.
As previously reported by Island Echo, 63-year-old arsonist Sue Lupton was handed a 2-year suspended prison sentence last week after she admitted 2 counts of arson.
It was on 20th June 2024, at The Square in Freshwater, that Lupton caused damage to a Land Rover Freelander belonging to Graham Lee and a window, toolbox, guttering, cooker extractor and a Japanese Maple Tree belonging to another neighbour.
All of the property was damaged beyond repair, with Mr Lee’s 4×4 completely gutted by the fire.
During last week’s sentencing hearing, the court heard of Mr Lee’s dissatisfaction with both the Police and the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) for what he described as ‘failings’ in regards the handling of the case.
In his victim impact statement, Mr Lee alleged that Lupton had been ‘stalking and harassing him’ for months after the fire, but that nothing was done about it.
The court heard that ahead of the sentencing hearing, Mr Lee had received correspondence from Chief Inspector Andy McDonald and that he had been issued apologies over the way the case had been dealt with.
In response to Island Echo asking what mistakes were made during the investigation, a Hampshire & Isle of Wight Constabulary spokesperson said:
“Police initially investigated a second offence of harassment but this was filed with no further action to be taken. Following a complaint from the victim, this investigation was reopened.
“All lines of enquiry were fully and thoroughly investigated again, but the CPS decision was to not take any further action again.
“We are pleased that the victim has had some justice with this positive court result.”
Shocking details read aloud by CPS prosecutor Joanna Staples told the court that Lupton had admitted in interview that a ‘firefighter friend’ had told her how to light the fire.
Island Echo asked Hampshire & Isle of Wight Fire and Rescue Service for a statement on the matter, including if any disciplinary action had been taken against the person involved.
In response, a Hampshire & Isle of Wight Fire and Rescue Service spokesperson said:
“At Hampshire and Isle of Wight Fire and Rescue Service we take any allegations of inappropriate behaviour by our staff extremely seriously and will always take action in line with our disciplinary procedures and refer any allegations that may be of a criminal nature to the police to investigate.
“We do not comment on individual matters relating to serving or previous members of staff.”
Island Echo understands the individual no longer works for the service.
It’s amazing how more and more serious offence criminals are getting away with such smack on the wrist sentences. It’s all down to the hand wringing do gooders interfering. Almost as bad as aiding abetting
Why was she not ordered to pay compensation ????
What makes you think that the iow is any different from the rest of country
There’s a good reason why we used to call the CPS the Criminals’ Protection Society. Sadly, the police couldn’t detect their way out of a paper bag these days, either.
What an ugly vile piece of shit she is..
Firefighter should lose his job be prosecuted she should of gone to jail..but has got away with it..
Until the people of this country starts a revolution, then just get used to how things are. It seems that we are sitting back and letting this all happen. Web are letting our once great country be taken over by illegal boat people and we are housing them and feeding them and God knows what else. We are our own worst enemy. We worry too much what other people will say. Bloody hell, I’m off on one.