A man from Burnhope has been sentenced to seven and a half years in prison after attempting to set fire to a home in Durham. Mark Harbottle, 25, appeared at Durham Crown Court on 16 April 2026, where he was sentenced for attempted arson with intent to endanger life.
The incident took place on 7 January 2026 at a property on Manor Grange in Lanchester. At approximately 6.15pm, Harbottle smashed a window of the house and poured petrol into the hallway. He then attempted to ignite the fuel with a lighter, but the device failed to work. The occupants, who were watching television at the time, became aware of the attack, prompting Harbottle to flee the scene in a waiting car.
Investigators from Durham Constabulary identified Harbottle after discovering blood on a piece of glass left at the property. During the court proceedings, it was revealed that the attack was linked to an ongoing feud between rival groups. Judge Nathan Adams noted that Harbottle appeared to have carried out the crime to repay an £8,000 loan he had taken out to cover debts for his mechanics business.
Judge Adams described it as only good fortune that the lighter failed to function, as the outcome could have otherwise resulted in a tragedy. No one was injured during the incident, but the victims have since moved away from their home out of fear. Harbottle will serve two-thirds of his 90-month sentence in prison before being released on licence.
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