Arsonist jailed after causing £1m worth of damage
- LM News
- 19 minutes ago
- 2 min read
A man who caused significant damage to a factory where he worked has been jailed.
A fire at Natsons Packaging Limited in New Star Road in Leicester resulted in the business working on a reduced level for almost six months.
CCTV enquiries traced the suspect - Ajay Ajay - from the arson to a petrol station in which officers were able to identify him. It was later discovered that he was an employee of the business.
The footage showed 31-year-old Ajay of Forest Avenue, Thurmaston, purchasing a jerry can and fuel from a petrol station. He then broke into the factory, placed tissue paper in several components of a machine before setting alight to it.
CCTV footage shows the moment a Leicestershire factory was targeted in an arson attack. Ajay Ajay has since been jailed after admitting arson and burglary offences. The fire caused more than £1 million of damage to machinery and significantly impacted the business. Read more about the case on our website.
When officers visited Ajay’s home address, he wasn’t there but clothing matching what the suspect was wearing that evening was found.
A few days later Ajay Ajay handed himself in at Mansfield House Police Station as he was aware officers were trying to locate him.
Further searches at the home address resulted in footwear and a bank card being recovered, the bank card was confirmed as being used to purchase the jerry can and fuel.
At a hearing in June Ajay pleaded guilty to arson and burglary. Yesterday (Wednesday 26 August), he was sentenced to three years in prison.
Detective Constable Shannon Clare was the investigating officer, she said: “When Ajay was interviewed, he stayed silent throughout, he gave no account as to why he committed the offence.
“The business was not operating fully for several months and many employees were left without a job. The damage to the machinery was in excess of £1m, Ajay showed no remorse for the impact his actions had on many people.
“The evidence against Ajay was overwhelming and he had no choice but to plead guilty. We are pleased with the outcome of this case and hope it helps the victims move on from the events of January and rebuild their business.”
Leicestershire Police News - Published: 10:05 27/08/2026
