Man jailed after setting ex-wife's flat on fire in Poole

Lukasz Dawidkiewicz left his former wife homeless after he got drunk and set fire to her first-floor flat in Poole leaving “a scene of absolute devastation”.

Two cats and two guinea pigs perished in the fire – while one cat was able to escape.

Dawidkiewicz, 41 and of St Swithun’s Road in Bournemouth, initially denied responsibility – telling police the blaze was caused by the pets knocking over a candle.

Bournemouth Crown Court heard how the arsonist had sent his victim text messages threatening to set fire to the flat, using misogynistic language and telling her she would “return to find blackened walls and nothing to come back to”.

The fire ripped through the flat, above a bookies in Alder Road, in the early hours of May 1, 2022 – resulting in £100,000 worth of damage.

Site of the fire in Alder Road, Poole (Image: Google)

Dawidkiewicz was alone in the property at the time and had probably gained entry by creating a copy of the key, the court heard.

Investigators determined the fire was started deliberately, likely when a naked flame was pressed against a combustible sofa.

The defendant was linked to the crime after his ex-wife showed the messages to police.

Prosecuting barrister Tom Wright said: “The defendant left the property with the door open and made no attempt to raise the alarm. He then denied starting the fire when interviewed, and suggested the fire was started by one of the pets knocking over a candle.”

In a victim personal statement, his former wife said she struggled to sleep at night following the incident. “The fire destroyed my home and my life,” she said.

“I am absolutely devastated about what has happened. Every day I wake up wishing I was back in my flat."

Robert Griffiths, mitigating, said the defendant suffered from mental health issues and did not intend to kill the animals – describing them as “collateral damage”.

Dawidkiewicz previously pleaded guilty to reckless arson and causing unnecessary suffering to the animals.

Sentencing, Judge Robert Pawson said the offences were committed “against a backdrop of domestic abuse”.

“You became subsumed in resentment and were unable to rationalise the end of your marriage,” he said.

“There was a simmering anger which was exacerbated by your taking cannabis and alcohol.”

Dawidkiewicz was sentenced to six years and six months in prison, and a restraining order was imposed preventing him from having any contact with his ex-wife or their children for 12 years.

The arsonist shook his head and mumbled as was escorted out the dock.