A man who attacked a Leicestershire police station earlier this year has been sentenced at Leicester Crown Court.
Mohammed Atif Kamal (28) of no fixed address, was sentenced to 10 years’ imprisonment and ordered to serve a minimum of five years. He faces deportation on release.
The sentence follows Kamal’s guilty pleas at a hearing in July to the offences of arson with reckless intent and arson with intent to endanger life.
The incident happened at around 6.50pm on Monday July 3, 2006 when Kamal went to the Tescos garage opposite the police station in Beaumont Leys where he bought £3 worth of petrol. Finding a quiet area nearby, he filled two empty wine bottles with petrol.
He then walked to the police station where he lit the first bottle, approached the doors of the front enquiry office and threw the bottle inside. He then lit the second bottle and repeated his actions.
Two members of the public and a member of police staff were injured in the resulting fireball and were taken to hospital. Thankfully none of the injuries were serious.
Following the incident, the two members of the public who had been inside the front enquiry office at the time, helped a member of police staff to safety.
Officers from the station arrested Kamal nearby minutes after the explosion.
Superintendent Rob Nixon of the West Area said: "The motive for the incident is not clear but there is no evidence that the attack was religiously or politically motivated.
"Kamal was apprehended within minutes of the explosion thanks to the swift action of officers from the police station. He now faces a lengthy custodial sentence and eventual deportation. The sentence reflects the seriousness with which the courts viewed his crimes.
"I’d like to pay tribute to the professionalism and bravery of all those involved on the night but also to the ongoing commitment of our staff and officers to providing a normal service from Beaumont Leys police station while repair work continues."
Extensive damage was caused to the Front Enquiry Office and work is ongoing to refurbish the area. An enquiry desk service for the people of Beaumont Leys is being provided in temporary accommodation located outside the station.
Blumin heck!!!! What a nightmare.
Beaumont leys nick is just around the corner from my Mrs, old office. The petrol bombing happened at about 6-7 pm, whilst the streets were still busy. The tesco he bought petrol at is within a busy shopping park.
At least hes been brought to justice and for once given a PROPER sentence.