A 22-year-old woman has been sentenced to four years in prison after she attempted to start a fire at a support centre in Ipswich while people were inside. Kerri Keen-Watts, of Carr Road, Felixstowe, was sentenced at Ipswich Crown Court on 8 May 2026 after pleading guilty to attempted arson with intent to endanger life and sending communications threatening death or serious harm.
The incident took place on 30 October 2025 at Sanderson House, located at 17-19 Museum Street. The facility is operated by Turning Point Suffolk and provides essential drug, alcohol, and mental health services to the community.
According to court records, Keen-Watts entered the premises under the guise of having an appointment. After masking her identity, she poured ethanol across the floor and threatened to “light them all up.” She made several unsuccessful attempts to ignite matches before staff members managed to disarm her and take the matchbox.
Detective Inspector Tristram Singh of South CID stated that Keen-Watts’ actions were “incredibly dangerous” and praised the workers for their quick response, which he noted “undoubtedly helped prevent” the situation from becoming catastrophic. Following the attempt at the centre, Keen-Watts sent threatening text messages to a youth worker at another Turning Point Suffolk location, writing “YOU’RE NEXT” and “AND THIS TIME IT’LL WORK.”
In addition to her prison sentence, Keen-Watts has been issued a five-year restraining order. This order prohibits her from entering the road where the centre is located, attempting to contact the workers involved in the incident, or attending any other buildings operated by the support provider without prior agreement. She is also barred from carrying any items in public that could be used to start a fire.
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