Two arsonists received suspended sentences for setting fire to a Brighton flat targeting the wrong person over a drug debt.
The jury said the fire was revenge, aimed to warn a relative over a £23,000 drug debt. Although the fire burned out quickly, clues helped convict them in court.
Marcus Murphy, 28, and Bronnie Richards, 26, lived on Cantelupe Road, Bexhill, and were on trial facing other arson charges. The jury acquitted them of those charges.
They were found guilty of arson in Norwich Crescent but cleared of two other fires. One fire was on a Range Rover, and the other was in a Brighton flat.
The court gave each an 18-month suspended sentence and a community order. This outcome differed from their accomplices, who received 14-year jail terms for starting three fires in Brighton. These fires were connected to a drug debt. In one instance, they torched the wrong flat when the Norwich Crescent target was away, and the fire died quickly.
Before the fires, they damaged a Range Rover, causing £14,000 worth of damage, in an attempt to scare Carlo Gosden, who owed £23,000 for drugs.
The Range Rover belonged to Steve Gosden, Carlo’s uncle, and was parked on Downsway. They set it alight after 9 pm, causing £14,000 in damage.
Elle-Mai Dunford, 21, filmed Callum Radband, 26, as he poured petrol on two properties and set them alight. The properties were close together.
The first property was in Stonehurst Court. They mistakenly targeted Heloise Crafer’s home, thinking it was Carlo Gosden’s. Crafer knew nothing of the Gosdens. Her door and stairs were burning. Flames engulfed her home quickly, cutting off her escape route. She was trapped in her flat but grabbed her dog, Buster, and escaped through a window, crawling across roofs to safety.
Judge Martin Huseyin spoke of the victim, stating she lost all possessions, including clothes and sentimental items, saving only her dog. “She was in a state of terror,” the judge said, adding she did not know why this happened. Repair costs were estimated at £60,000 to £80,000, as her entire flat was destroyed.
Later, they targeted Norwich Crescent, believing Ashley Gosden, Carlo Gosden’s relative and a 35-year-old roofer, lived there. He was not home at the time of the fire. An upstairs neighbor smelled smoke and noticed flames near his window, calling for help, but the fire went out fast.
Ashley Gosden was not involved as a witness. The brief fire damaged the upstairs flat, with damage costs in the thousands.
Police said accelerants were used and investigated the incidents, arresting four suspects. The investigation team shared the names.
Police arrested Murphy and Richards in October 2023, releasing them on bail. Police also arrested Radband in October, after which he violated his release terms. Dunford was arrested soon after and charged with arson, quickly pleading guilty to all charges.
Dunford recruited Murphy and Richards for what was planned as a revenge attack. The judge said she was seduced by glamour, with Richards driving her Audi for both arson attempts.
The Radband, Murphy, and Richards trial began in November 2024, with verdicts given in December. Radband was found guilty of arson for both flat fires but acquitted of the Range Rover arson due to insufficient supporting evidence. Murphy and Richards were also on trial.
Murphy and Richards were guilty of the Norwich Crescent fire but acquitted for the Range Rover fire and the Down Terrace fire.
Dunford was young and initially got involved due to threats to her brother, but the judge stated she then became a willing participant. Her lawyer described her difficult early life.
Radband’s lawyer stated he felt pressured, describing it as “short of duress.” He noted Radband used little fuel at Stonehurst Court, and nobody predicted the fire would rage so intensely.
Radband’s lawyer mentioned his aggravated burglary conviction, stating he paid “a high price” for that crime. Returning to prison meant facing risk, as he had been assaulted previously. Video of the attack was sent to his family. On the night of the arson, he feared for his mother, believing “balaclava man” would hurt her. He expressed remorse that the wrong flat was targeted and caused extreme damage.
Judge Huseyin addressed Dunford about her offences, highlighting that they were part of a revenge and drug enterprise. He noted she filmed the house arson attacks. Her actions, he said, threatened Carlo Gosden seriously, who had issues with drug dealers, whether owing money or stealing drugs. Threats also occurred on social media, and the Stonehurst Court fire greatly endangered life, said the Judge.
Dunford had drug problems and mental issues stemming from a bad childhood. The judge described her tragic personal history and lack of proper parenting. “You were easily exploited,” said Huseyin, adding that criminals seemed glamorous to her, and she lacked the strength to resist their exploitation in criminal activity.
The judge told Radband he had set the fires and played the ‘critical role’ in dangerous activity. “There is always a risk,” said the judge. “I accept that you were intimidated,” he admitted, before adding that he could have sought help. Dunford received seven years, four months in jail, while Radband received six years, eight months.
Richards and Murphy then received their sentences, with these being suspended sentences handed down at Lewes Crown Court.
A Police Investigator said the fires were deeply concerning, stating that homes and property took significant damage. This officer praised community cooperation. “Such actions endanger lives,” she added, noting it devastated neighborhood safety. Now that Dunford and Radband have been sentenced, the investigator noted their serious roles.
Investigator Aimee Gorman stated the incidents caused fear, affecting victims and the wider community. The victims can hopefully now heal.
Gorman also thanked the whole community, emphasizing that their help aided in suspect identifications. Details and CCTV footage played a vital role.