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New Romney drug addict Andrew Angel jailed for firebomb attack on woman's home with Molotov cocktail

A drug addict and his friend firebombed a woman's home in what a court heard was a "day of madness".

In a few hours, the yobs had attacked a woman while her child played nearby and then threw a Molotov cocktail at another home.

Andrew Angel, 32, of Carey Close, New Romney, and 26-year-old friend Stephen McBride were both jailed for their part in the attacks.

Drug addict Andrew Angel has been jailed for eight years
Drug addict Andrew Angel has been jailed for eight years

Prosecutor John Mr O'Higgins told Canterbury Crown Court how Sarah Jane Knights was at her flat in Cheriton Road, Folkestone, with friend Philip Webb at 4pm on May 6 last year.

Her 10-year-old daughter was playing outside.

"The buzzer sounded and she recognised the voice as Angel's," he said. "She opened the door and saw Andrew Angel but then two men stormed inside.

"You showed a callous disregard for these people's welfare and displayed cruelty. I have no doubt that you pose a risk of harm to the public..." - Judge Adele Williams

"Mr Webb was so frightened that he jumped through an open window and fractured his ankle.

"Angel looked surprised as both men, who had Liverpool accents, then grabbed Ms Knights and one had a knife and threatened to cut her throat.

"They demanded money and threatened to stab her. A gun was mentioned but not seen."

The court heard how the Scousers then began throwing things around as they dragged Ms Knights from room to room before they took £190.

Mr O'Higgins added: "Angel didn't go into the house, but he knew where she kept her money.

"She later received a call from a man with a Liverpool accent saying she was now working for him or he would stab her. She was terrified. Police believe it (the raid) was drugs related."

The case was heard at Canterbury Crown Court
The case was heard at Canterbury Crown Court

Five hours later, the men attacked McBride's girlfriend Kelsey Martin, who was in her flat in Folkestone Road with her mother.

A bottle is believed to have been used as a Molotov cocktail and thrown at her front door.

"Ms Martin and her mother were absolutely terrified," added Mr O'Higgins. "Later that night, police received a 999 call from Angel saying there were two men at his home refusing to leave."

The prosecutor said police later arrested McBride and a knife was found near by. A second man was not charged.

On the way to the police station, Angel would claim he had fallen in with two Liverpudlians who he described as "nasty people".

Angel admitted reckless arson and aggravated burglary and also pleaded guilty to possessing 25 grams of cocaine and another burglary at a convenience store. He was jailed for eight years.

McBride, from Liverpool, was jailed for 12 years after admitting arson endangering life and aggravated burglary.

His defence solicitor described the incidents as "one day of madness", adding "he has no fascination for fire and is certainly not an arsonist".

Judge Adele Williams at Canterbury Crown Court
Judge Adele Williams at Canterbury Crown Court

Judge Adele Williams told McBride: "You have committed grave offences. You showed a callous disregard for these people's welfare and displayed cruelty. I have no doubt that you pose a risk of harm to the public."

To Angel, she said: "Your role in the burglary and arson was a lesser one but you allowed yourself to be used by others.

"You have been hopelessly addicted to class A drugs for many years and committed these offences because of that."


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