A man who set fire to a van parked near a nursery in Bridlington, was sentenced at Hull Crown Court on Friday 31 October.

Ben Dobson, 38, was sentenced to one year and two months for his offence’s.

He was charged with arson, assaulting an emergency worker and possession of a bladed article, he later pleaded guilty to all offences.

Neighbourhood Policing Inspector Ian Foster said: “Dobson knowingly set the van alight without a second thought as to whether the person he knew was living in it was inside at the time. 

“Not only this, but he also had absolutely no regard for the fact he started a fire adjacent to a nursery which could have very easily ended in disaster considering how quickly fires spread.

“Thankfully, whilst no one was injured as a result of Dobson’s deliberate actions that day, the fire still caused around £800 of damage to the nursery’s fence as well as thousands of pounds worth of damage to the van, which was also someone’s home.”

On Thursday 10 July 2025, Humberside Police received a call from Humberside Fire and Rescue Services reporting they had extinguished a fire after a white Ford Transit van was discovered alight parked near to a nursery on Blenheim Road in Bridlington.

After attending the scene, they received another call from a member of the public claiming that someone called ‘Dobby’, later identified as Ben Dobson, was the one who deliberately set the van on fire.

Following enquiries with CCTV operators, Dobson was arrested on suspicion of arson with intent to endanger life.

He became aggressive and tried to spit at the officers, assaulting the Police Constable in the process.

During a search of Dobson, a Stanley knife was found in his pocket, in which he was then arrested for possession of an offensive weapon.

During police interviews, he answered no comment to questions in relation to the knife and assaulting the officer.

After CCTV evidence was put to Dobson, he pleaded guilty.

Inspector Foster added: “There is never a reason to carry a knife, and those who choose to do so to protect themselves or intimidate others, but no matter what the reason, carrying a knife can and does have devastating consequences.

“It’s incredibly fortunate that no one was physically harmed, but the emotional impact on those affected should not be underestimated.

“Dobson was completely reckless, and I am reassured he is now behind bars, and I hope he will be able to reflect on his behaviour.”