ARSONIST SENTENCED - Updated 20th November 2007

A former Selborne resident has received a 9 month prison sentence for setting fire to Crow's Barn in Farringdon and starting fires in neighbouring parishes.

Robert Foard pleaded guilty to starting several fires including Crows Barn in Hall Lane, the Garage of Cottage in Selborne and barn at Albury Farm in Blackmoor. The offences were committed in July August and September last year when the defendant was resident in Selborne.

Despite pleas from the defence the Judge considered the offences were too serious for any other than a prison sentence.