A SERIAL arsonist, who set fire to a new development of flats 10 times in the space of two months, has been jailed for four years. Mark Findlayson, of Woolners Way in Stevenage, set fire to flats at Monument Court in the town 10 times during November and

A SERIAL arsonist, who set fire to a new development of flats 10 times in the space of two months, has been jailed for four years.

Mark Findlayson, of Woolners Way in Stevenage, set fire to flats at Monument Court in the town 10 times during November and December last year, culminating in three fires in one night.

The fire investigation team supported police investigators and provided evidence of how the fires were started.

Police used covert techniques to trace the 20-year-old offender, who later pleaded guilty.

Findlayson was caught setting fire to the flats on CCTV but, had he not been recognisable on the tape, the fire investigation evidence could have proved vital to a successful prosecution.

Chief fire officer, Roy Wilsher, said: "We want to send a clear message that arson will not be tolerated, and we will do all we can to support the police in bringing the perpetrators to justice.

"We have some extremely experienced and skilled officers, helped by a fire investigation dog, who are able to determine the cause of fires even when people think they've left no trace."

Ds Alistair Jones, of Herts Police, said: "This conviction is an excellent result for us and the fire service.

"It sends a warning of how seriously we treat arson, and the penalties it carries.