A man from Neath Port Talbot has been sentenced after carrying out two arson attacks earlier this year.
18-year-old Josh Smith, from Waunceirch, committed the offences when aged 17. On January 4, he set fire to clothing belonging to his ex-partner, filming the act and later sharing it to Instagram.
Two days later, Smith deliberately started a fire in the toilets of the Somerset Arms, Commercial Road, Taibach.
After pleading guilty to both offences, Smith has been made subject of a five-year restraining order against the victim and has been sentenced to 16 months in a Young Offenders Institution. Smith also pleaded guilty to one count of attempted arson after trying to set fire to a wheelie bin belonging to a relative of the victim.
PC John Ryan said:
“Josh Smith committed these dangerous offences as retaliation following the end of his relationship with his ex-partner and made numerous people fearful for their safety as a result of his actions.
“We hope he takes the time he will spend at the Young Offenders Institution to think about his actions and to change his ways.”
