Troubled Leeds man put neighbours lives at risk after setting fire to Seacroft home
A troubled Leeds man has been jailed after he put his neighbours lives at risk during an apparent suicide attempt.
Craig Winstanley was jailed at Leeds Crown Court today after admitting a charge of arson reckless as to whether life was endangered.
Prosecutor Philip Standfast told the court how the troubled 51-year-old phoned West Yorkshire Fire Service twice on November 24, 2025 to tell them that he was going to “die in a house fire” at his home on Ramshead Drive, Seacroft and for them to tell his ex-partner that it was “her fault.”
The fire service quickly responded and spotted smoke coming from the roof of one of the properties. The defendant was found breathing but unresponsive on his couch, suffering from smoke inhalation. He initially claimed the blaze was accidental before later admitting his intentions.
The fire, which was started in a bedroom cupboard, quickly spread to the roof and residents of the adjoining property were quickly evacuated for their safety, the court was told. They were forced to spend four hours outside in the cold.
Winstanley, who has a history of mental health struggles, has 12 previous convictions for 19 offences but none related to arson.
In mitigation, defence counsel Stephen Smithson told the court that his client’s actions were a “cry for help.” The court heard how he suffers from PTSD following years of abuse and that combined with his alcohol intake “contributed to his actions.”
“This is a sad history of a man who has had a very difficult life indeed,” Mr Smithson added.
In a victim impact statement, the court heard how despite his actions, Winstanley’s neighbours spoke favourably of him and that they enjoyed a “good relationship” having lived in adjoining houses for 15 years. They recognised his mental health struggles and hold “no animosity towards him.”
Passing sentence, Judge Howard Crowson accepted that while the 51-year-old did not intend to hurt his neighbours, his actions nevertheless put them at “high risk of serious physical harm”. He also noted that the defendant suffered from reactive depression and suicidal ideation.
He sentenced him to three years and nine months behind bars, of which he is likely to serve 40 per cent before being released on licence.