A POLICE worker who started a fire that damaged cars, hedges and a house in Downend has been given a suspended prison sentence.
Mark Pickford set fire to a tree on Badminton Road on the evening of June 2 last year.
The fire destroyed two hedges and two BMW cars as well as damaging the frontages of nearby homes.
Pickford, aged 60, was arrested later the same evening and charged with arson while reckless as to whether life was endangered.
He denied the charge but was convicted after a trial at Swindon Crown Court in October.
Last Friday Pickford, who has quit his job with the police, was given a two-year suspended prison sentence at the same court.
A police spokesperson said: “At the time of the offence, he was employed as a member of Avon and Somerset Police staff, in a non-public facing role.
“He was suspended and resigned before a misconduct process could be completed. He will be prevented from working in policing in the future.”
Avon Fire and Rescue Service sent two crews to deal with the blaze, and had to close Badminton Road and isolate electricity and gas supplies while they tackled it.
A telegraph pole was also damaged in the incident, although no-one was injured.