An arsonist from Ipswich is facing almost three years behind bars after setting fire to two properties.

Christopher Webster, of Wilson Road, was jailed today for 32 months following the two incidents at separate addresses in Stowmarket.

At around 2pm on July 13, 2013, Webster started a fire within the kitchen and bedroom of a self contained flat in Union Road, Onehouse.

Although there was no one in the flat at the time, there were people living in the surrounding flats, of which there were about 30.

Residents became aware of smoke coming from the flat and called the fire service. A number of residents had to be evacuated from their flats whilst the matter was dealt with.

Having been staying at the flat, Webster was arrested the same day and later bailed after denying any involvement with the fire.

The second incident happened at an address in Semer Close, Stowmarket, at around 11.40pm on March 29.

Webster was staying at the address with his partner and set light to a curtain in the lounge before going to bed.

His partner was only alerted to the fire when the smoke alarm went off.

The 35-year-old appeared before Ipswich Crown Court on June 9 and pleaded guilty to two counts of arson, and was sentenced today to 32 months at the same court.

Speaking after the case, Inspector Chris Hinitt said: “We welcome today’s sentencing. These were two very serious arson incidents where fortunately no one was injured, but the outcome could have been a lot worse.

“Wesbter denied having any involvement in both arsons and with the first incident in Onehouse he stated he had been nowhere near the location when the fire happened.

“As part of our investigation we were able to establish from phone and computer records that Webster had indeed been at the address at the stated times. The evidence we put before the court lead to Webster’s guilty pleas to two counts of arson and today’s sentencing.”