A man has been jailed for life after setting fire to a busy south London gay bar for the second time.
Jason Fossett, of Norwood, piled rubbish against the fire exit of the Two Brewers in Clapham before setting it alight and fleeing on March 20.
The 46-year-old pleaded guilty to arson with intent to endanger life at Inner London Crown Court – saying he could not remember starting the fire after “having a couple of drinks”.
He was sentenced to life in prison on Friday with a minimum sentence of three years and 244 days.
Fossett was seen by the pub’s manager loitering outside in the alleyway moments before the fire was started.
The fire was spotted in its early stages, which prevented further damage to the pub and potential injuries.
The arsonist was then traced through his bank card after CCTV footage showed him buying two drinks at the bar on the night of the arson.
Officers searched his home and found receipts from the Two Brewers for that night, as well as a red leather satchel which matched that seen on the CCTV.
In 2004, Fossett was jailed for eight years for targeting the same venue in an arson attack.
Police said there was no suggestion the attacks were hate crimes, although Fossett’s motivation is not known.
PC Paul Waterman said: "Fossett is clearly a dangerous character who deliberately went out of his way to set fire to the bar in a carefully calculated attack.
"It was sheer luck that the fire was spotted in its early stages to prevent any further damage or anyone sustaining any injuries.
"By working with my colleagues in Lambeth CID and with the cooperation and assistance of staff from the Two Brewers, we ensured that Fossett was brought to justice and has been put behind bars.
"I hope Fossett uses his time behind bars to reflect on his actions."
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