A VIOLENT man who fired shots and hurled petrol bombs at a house in a “deliberate and terrifying” attack has been jailed for 15 years.
Iain Boddy, from Bishop Auckland, was found guilty of arson with intent to harm and possession of a firearm at Durham Crown Court on Thursday.
It comes after emergency services were called to an address in Burnhope, Durham, on December 5 last year at around 5.15pm.
Glass bottles containing petrol had been launched at the house, sparking a fire in the property’s garden which was quickly extinguished.
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Fortunately, no injuries were reported.
Boddy, 44, was identifed as the prime suspect and arrested and charged with a number of offences, all of which he denied.
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However, the wick of the petrol bomb was found to contain his DNA.
Similar bottles launched at the property in Burnhope were found at his workplace.
Temporary Detective Chief Inspector Hannah Wilson, of Durham Constabulary, said: “The attack in Burnhope was deliberate and terrifying for those who live there.
“It could easily have ended in tragedy.
“This level of violence will not be tolerated in County Durham, and we will remain relentless, with the support of our partners and our communities, in our pursuit to disrupt and dismantle criminal fraternities that operate across our county.
“I would like to thank the community for their support, and the assistance of partner agencies throughout our investigation.”
She added that anyone with concerns about criminal activity in their area should contact police on 101.
It follows a devastating case of mistaken identity in January, which saw an innocent family’s home petrol bombed by two balaclava-clad men.
Jody Lynam and an unknown offender crept up to the property in Manchester during the early hours, thinking it was empty, and hurled a bomb through the window.
