A man has been jailed for more than five years after setting a number of fires across Stoke-on-Trent. 

Tony Stockdale, aged 54, of Fenton, was sentenced at Stoke-on-Trent Crown Court last week (Wednesday 12 November), after pleading guilty to three counts of arson and one count of arson with intent to endanger life relating to his activities in April. 

He was sentenced to five years and four months in prison on the arson with intent charge. 

He was also given concurrent sentences for the remaining arson charges, with an extended period on licence of two years and eight months. 

The court heard how a large commercial bin was found alight near The Wheatsheaf pub on Church Street at around 9pm on 25 April. 

In the early hours of 26 April, another bin was found on fire near Tesco Express on Hartshill Road, which damaged a fence. 

Later the same morning, Staffordshire Fire and Rescue Service reported a fire in an alleyway on Boothen Road, another in a wheelie bin on Cranmer Street, and a further fire in a public bin around the corner. 

Four bins were reportedly set on fire on Gerrard Street. 

These fires followed one reported on 23 April at Longton Snooker Club on Normacot Road, where a wheelie bin was set alight and oil was poured onto the fire. 

Stockdale was identified and arrested a short time later, with Staffordshire Police officers gathering CCTV evidence. 

Sergeant Colin Hitchins, who was involved in the case, said: "Stockdale carried out a substantial and targeted series of arson activities that put himself and the wider public at risk. 

"I am pleased he admitted his offending and that the judge saw fit to sentence him to a considerable jail term. 

"I'd like to thank colleagues at Staffordshire Fire and Rescue Service for their support in this investigation and hope this reassures the public that we will work together to bring anyone risking public safety to justice." 

Assistant Chief Fire Officer, Michelle Hickmott, of Staffordshire Fire and Rescue Service, said: "Our crews were called to multiple reports of intentionally-set fires that not only put people and property at risk, but also wasted our firefighters' time that could be better spent in dealing with emergencies and supporting our communities. 

"I am pleased that this individual has been handed a custodial sentence for his offending and appreciate Staffordshire Police's work in bringing him before the courts."