David James (Image: South Wales Police)
Last Updated: 2 minutes ago
A man with a prolific record of firesetting has been returned to prison after starting yet another blaze – this time at a prominent Cardiff building.
David James, 64, of no fixed abode, Abergavenny, was sentenced to seven months at Cardiff Magistrates’ Court for the offence at Market Chambers on St Mary Street on March 31.
James had denied any wrongdoing but was found guilty following a trial.
Extensive criminal history
The conviction is the latest in a long pattern of similar offending. James has amassed 42 previous convictions covering 70 separate offences.
Among them are two counts of arson for setting fire to cardboard on Queen Street and Station Road in Cardiff, along with a further arson committed near Abergavenny bus station in 2023.
Tim Naylor, prosecuting, told Cardiff Crown Court that James’s offending was made more serious by the fact he committed it while subject to a suspended prison sentence for similar crimes.
Newport Market fire
Last November, James was sentenced at Cardiff Crown Court for another arson – setting fire to a bin at the rear of Newport Market during the early hours of Thursday, March 27, 2025.
CCTV cameras captured him carrying out the act, and a police officer later identified him from the footage.
When officers caught up with him three days later, James was still wearing the same “distinctive coat” visible in the recordings.
The fire caused £900 of damage to windows at Newport Market, with boarding-up costs adding a further £200.
A jury found him guilty of arson following a trial.
Defence arguments
His barrister, Emma Harris, told the court her client had suffered the “tragic” loss of his daughter and the breakdown of his marriage, after which he found himself living on the streets.
“He understands the danger of setting fires,” she said.
“The court is still without explanation for these offences.”
Sentencing
Judge Shomon Khan told James: “It has to be a prison sentence.
“Why you did it, nobody understands – it makes no sense – although it was a deliberate act.
“The jury didn’t hesitate in convicting you.
“You were entirely reckless as to whether damage would be caused to property.”
For the Newport Market offence, James was sentenced to 12 months’ imprisonment. Judge Khan also activated a six-month suspended sentence in full, to run consecutively – bringing the total to 18 months.
