Exclusive:Pair who saved man who set himself on fire at Lee-on-the-Solent petrol station are commended by judge
“They undoubdtedly saved your life,” a judge told the defendant.
Two men who rushed to save a man who set himself on fire have been commended by a judge.
On December 4 last year, Tyson Nevin ignited both himself and his car at the BP petrol station in Broom Way, Lee-on-the-Solent. The blaze spread to nearby cars and petrol pumps, and staff were trapped round the back of the building. A dog was also found dead at the scene.
Nevin, 51 of Spicewood, Fareham, pleaded guilty to arson with intent to endanger life, and causing unnecessary suffering to a protected animal. At Portsmouth Crown Court today (Friday, October 23), he appeared via video link from Ravenswood House Hospital in Knowle.
The court heard how Nevin “undoubdtedly would have died” had it not been for the heroic efforts of Brice Nevin and Dale Fletcher, who tried to stop him and later dragged him away from the blaze.
Daniel Harding, prosecuting, told the court how Nevin parked up at the petrol station, then sprayed fuel over himself and his car.
He said: “Mr Munday and Mr Fletcher kept spraying a fire extinguisher to try and stop the defendant. Unfortunately the defendant lit the fuel using a lighter.
“Showing extreme bravery, the two went to help him and tried to get the dog out; the vehicle was engulfed in flames, and the fire spread to a nearby Honda Jazz.
“Other members of the public helped the pair to stop Nevin from leaving the forecourt before emergency services arrived. The deceased dog was later found in the boot of the defendant’s vehicle.”
Speaking in court, Mr Fletcher said he tried talking to Nevin before the defendant waved an axe at them, before setting himself alight.
“I do not underestimate the desparation someone must feel to want to do such a thing,” he said. “I am haunted by the thought of his pain, and his long-term injuries from this.
“I recall a mighty fire and explosion - I was able to put some of the fire out. We dragged Nevin away from the flames as I exhausted the contents of the fire extinguisher.
“The week after the incident was sleepless for me. I kept reliving the incident, and felt profound guilt that I had caused Nevin’s injuries. For a while it was not clear if he would walk again, or even survive. I know I am not responsible, but it’s taken a long time to rationalise this viewpoint.”
Mr Fletcher thanked members of the public who rushed to help, as well as garage staff and emergency services - singling out DC Luke Fairchild for his efforts throughout the case. He added that things “could have been very different” yet asked Judge Daniel Sawyer to be lenient with Nevin.
He said: “I hope that Nevin finds a reason to live - and knows whatever the future holds for him, I’m happy to befriend him and take part in some form of restorative justice. I hope he gains strength each day, and won’t take drastic actions that place himself and others in danger.
“It’s my belief that justice and mercy can co-exist, and I ask your honour to be merciful with Nevin.”
Alexander Shanks, representing Nevin, echoed the sentiment of Mr Fletcher, and explained that the defendant is “remorseful for his actions”.
Further victim impact statements were read by petrol station worker Anne Warburton, and David Ablott of SGN Retail, which owns the forecourt.
The former told the harrowing tale of how staff were trapped round the back of the petrol station building, and were contemplating climbing a high fence to survive the incident.
Mr Ablott added that in the aftermath of the fire, staff suffered from “nightmares of people setting themselves on fire” and extreme anxiety about the prospect of returning to work.
At this point, Nevin left his computer and walked away from the hearing - with a staff member from Ravenswood House still present, Judge Sawyer sentenced the defendant in his absence.
He said: “I have watched harrowing CCTV footage that shows you arrive at the pump, get out of the car and begin to spray your car, the ground and yourself with petrol. About 16 litres of petrol was dispensed in just under a minute.
“The actions of Mr Munday and Mr Fletcher helped other members of the public to get clear.
“When we discuss acts of bravery, the classic case is running into a burning building to save a child. These two ran into a burning petrol station to save the man who just threatened them with an axe. Words fail me to describe the bravery that these men showed.
“They undoubdtedly saved your life.”
Judge Sawyer sentenced Nevin with a hospital order, including a Section 41 restriction. He explained that this was made as it “benefits” the defendant - but was primarily enforced to protect the public.
Mr Munday and Mr Fletcher were awarded £500 each from the court, by way of commendation. Judge Sawyer also commended DC Fairchild “for going above and beyong for the victims in this case.”
After Nevin’s sentencing, DC Fairchild said: “I am incredibly grateful to Mr Munday and Mr Fletcher, who went far beyond what could reasonably be expected of any member of the public. Without hesitation and with little regard for their own safety, they acted with exceptional courage and selflessness in the face of an extremely dangerous and fast-moving situation.
“In recognition of their exceptional bravery and complete disregard for their own personal safety in order to protect others, the recent announcement that they are to be awarded the Royal Humane Society Silver Medal is thoroughly deserved. Their courageous actions undoubtedly saved lives and stand as an outstanding example of selflessness, bravery, and public service in the face of extreme danger. Their actions on that day serve as a powerful example of ordinary people doing truly extraordinary things.
“I am also grateful to the staff at the petrol station, whose quick thinking and decisive actions played a vital role in preventing the situation from becoming even more serious. By shutting down the fuel pumps and taking immediate steps to keep customers safe inside the premises and away from further danger.
“I would also like to recognise the actions of the first responders who attended the scene. They ran towards a petrol station engulfed in flames, placing themselves at considerable risk with little thought for their own personal safety. Their courage, professionalism, and unwavering commitment to protecting the public ensured that the incident was swiftly brought under control and that those involved received immediate assistance.”