THIS is the shocking moment a calculating arsonist inflicts more than £1million worth of damage to the tissue factory where he works.
Ajay Ajay used huge bundles of toilet roll to start the devastating blaze after sneaking into Natsons Packaging Ltd in Leicester.
CCTV footage shows the moment an arsonist sets a tissue factory alight Credit: Leicestershire Police
Ajay Ajay caused more than £1million in damage Credit: Leicestershire Police
Cops examined CCTV to trace the hooded figure from the factory to a petrol station, before discovering he was an employee.
The incriminating footage showed Ajay, 31, of Thurmaston, Leicestershire, purchasing a jerry can and fuel from the garage.
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He then broke into the factory under the cover of darkness on January 25 and placed the paper in components of a machine before setting it alight, putting colleagues out of work as the factory struggled for months.
Investigating officers visited Ajay’s home on Forest Avenue and found he wasn’t there, but discovered clothing matching what the suspect was wearing.
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He was sentenced to three years in prison at Leicester Crown Court Credit: Leicester Police
Cops traced the hooded figure from the factory to a petrol station, before discovering he was an employee Credit: Leicestershire Police
He broke in at night and placed the tissue into the machinery before setting it alight Credit: Leicestershire Police
Ajay reportedly gave no reason for the crime and remained silent throughout the police interview Credit: Leicestershire Police
Ajay handed himself in at Mansfield House Police Station a few days later after becoming aware that they were trying to find him.
Further searches at his home resulted in footwear and a bank card used to purchase the jerry can and fuel being recovered.
Ajay was sentenced to three years in prison at Leicester Crown Court on Wednesday, August 26, after pleading guilty to arson and burglary at a previous hearing.
Detective Constable Shannon Clare, investigating officer at Leicestershire Police, said after the hearing: “When Ajay was interviewed, he stayed silent throughout, he gave no account as to why he committed the offence.
“The business was not operating fully for several months, and many employees were left without a job.
“The damage to the machinery was in excess of £1million, Ajay showed no remorse for the impact his actions had on many people.
“The evidence against Ajay was overwhelming and he had no choice but to plead guilty.
“We are pleased with the outcome of this case and hope it helps the victims move on from the events of January and rebuild their business.”
