Arsonist detained indefinitely

MAN WHO TORCHED PLAY PARK HELD ON MENTAL HEALTH GROUNDS

- By CARL EVE

A YOUNG man who caused thousands of pounds worth of damage to a newly-constructed children's playground in the heart of Keyham has been detained at a hospital until further notice.

Cameron Grant, aged 21 and from North Down Crescent, Keyham, appeared at Plymouth Crown Court after he admitted to a series of offences which included sending electronic communication with intent to cause anxiety, one count of arson being reckless as to life is endangered and two offences of assaulting an emergency worker, namely police officers.

He also admitted to a number of other offences which have been taken into consideration. The court heard from prosecutor Holly Rust who explained that the offences took place between April and October 2023 while Grant was living in accommodation in Keyham where he was being looked after by carers.

The first offence took place on April 28, 2023, where he set fire to the tyre of a car parked underneath a block of flats on Royal Navy Avenue in Keyham.

Grant, who was intoxicated at the time, attached a flammable item to a jerry can and set it on fire next to the tyre which melted under the heat. Grant was seen on CCTV footage later seized and his DNA was found on the can.

On May 18, 2023, Grant made three calls to the emergency 999 number between 8.30pm and 10pm. During the first call he said he was on Dartmoor and had found a hand grenade, giving a fake name to the call handler.

Suspicion was raised by the call handler who linked the phone number to Grant. Grant's carer was called who confirmed the young man was at home listening to music.

A second call was made a few minutes later where he claimed he was in a college and a man was shooting students. When he was asked his name he put the phone down.

On the third call Grant claimed he was going to put a bomb in a school. When he was asked for his name, he replied "Satan" and started laughing.