Man jailed for life for setting fire to busy London gay bar Two Brewers
A man has been jailed for life after an attempt to set fire to an iconic London gay bar.
Jason Fossett was caught on CCTV attempting to set fire to the Two Brewers gay bar on Clapham High Street in March.
The 46-year-old Norwood man was caught on camera piling up rubbish against the fire exit of the bar, and then setting fire to it.
He was jailed for life this month after pleading guilty to arson with intent to endanger.
Inner London Crown Court sentenced him to spend a minimum of three years and 244 days behind bars.
Officers searching his home found a red leather satchel that matched the one on the CCTV, as well as receipts from the Two Brewers for that night.
Man jailed for life for setting fire to busy London gay bar Two Brewers
Bank records also showed that Fossett had visited the bar.
The attack was not treated as a hate crime, though police added that “Fossett’s motivation for targeting the Two Brewers is not known”.
Incredibly, it is the second time Fossett has been jailed on an arson charge.
In 2004 he was jailed for eight years for attempting to set fire to the same bar.
PC Paul Waterman of the Metropolitan Police said: “Fossett is clearly a dangerous character who deliberately went out of his way to set fire to the bar in a carefully calculated attack.
“It was sheer luck that the fire was spotted in its early stages to prevent any further damage or anyone sustaining any injuries.
“By working with my colleagues in Lambeth CID and with the cooperation and assistance of staff from the Two Brewers, we ensured that Fossett was brought to justice and has been put behind bars.
“I hope Fossett uses his time behind bars to reflect on his actions.”
