Two from Stoke-on-Trent guilty of murdering man in arson attack caught on CCTV
Two thugs from Stoke-on-Trent are facing life in jail after being convicted of murdering a man who died in a devastating arson attack captured on CCTV.
Akashdeep Singh was killed when the horrific fire ripped through his semi-detached home on Plascom Road, in Wolverhampton, last June.
The 26-year-old suffered severe smoke inhalation and 50 per cent burns while his mother was also left with life-changing injuries.
The attack was captured on chilling CCTV which showed the front windows of the family home being smashed before petrol was poured through the window and set alight.
The living room of the house was engulfed in flames which quickly spread upstairs, where Akashdeep became trapped as the inferno took hold.
Dale Francis, 37, of Basford, and Daniel Tatters, 26, of Sneyd Green, were today (20 May) found guilty of murder following a three-week trial at Wolverhampton Crown Court.
Jurors were told Tatters carried out the arson attack after smashing the front bay window, pouring in flammable liquid and setting it alight using a cigarette lighter which he then left discarded on the driveway.
Francis acted as a driver and look-out and the court heard the pair may have targeted the house by mistake after travelling down 40 miles from Stoke-on-Trent.
Emergency services began getting calls just after 1.10am with one of those calls being from Akashdeep who was trapped inside by the house.
Three of the family were outside as crews arrived, with one of Akashdeep's brothers having jumped out of a first floor window to escape.
Tragically, despite the best efforts of medics Akashdeep, who had severe burns, was pronounced dead in hospital later that morning.
His mother remained in hospital for many months but has since been discharged to continue her recovery with her family.
Detectives trawled CCTV and used digital evidence to trace the arsonists and track their movements after they travelled to the area in a VW Golf.
Two hours after the fire was started, Tatters went to the Royal Stoke with cuts to his hand which were treated and he was discharged.
Tatters and Francis were also convicted of three counts of attempted murder and arson with intent to endanger life.
Tatters and Francis will be sentenced on Thursday (22 May).
Justice Mark Wall KC told them: "You have been found guilty. I will proceed to sentencing on Thursday morning. You can be sent down."
He told the jury: "If you would like to return and watch the sentencing you are most welcome to.
"I will be giving them minimum life terms and what I give them will be the amount of years they will have to serve before being eligible for parole.
"We are used to this environment, but I understand it can be disturbing to those who are not such as yourselves, therefore as this was a murder trial you will not have to serve on a jury again for at least ten years."
After the case, Jenny Birch, from West Midlands Police's Homicide Unit, said: "This was a callous and unprovoked attack on people who were asleep in the safety of their own home.
"Our investigation team have worked tirelessly to gather the evidence which has led to these convictions.
"Both these men played their part in this tragic event and both are accountable for the awful consequences.
"Whilst we know that nothing will ever bring Akashdeep back, we hope that knowing those involved will answer for the consequences of their actions will provide some solace to his family and friends.
"Our thoughts remain with Akashdeep's family who continue to try to come to terms with their loss as well as their own injuries."
In a statement released at the time of his death, his family said: "He was a kind, helpful, and deeply religious person whose loss brings us immense pain that will remain with us for the rest of our lives.
"A true hero, our precious son, whose boundless kindness, infectious laughter, and unwavering love filled our lives with immeasurable joy; his memory will forever be cherished, and the depth of his absence is profoundly felt every single day."
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