Arsonist jailed after starting multiple fires in one day

An arsonist who targeted several sites in Canterbury and Ashford in the space of 24 hours has been jailed.

Kian Minister, 24, of no fixed address, admitted to carrying out multiple offences on 27 March 2026.

Fires started

At around 5.30am that day, a wheelie bin was destroyed in Sturry High Street after Minister set fire to it. He had also tried unsuccessfully to start a blaze at Stour Retail Park after lighting a toilet roll.

The offender further ignited tyres outside a Mercedes Benz dealership on Mill Road, which spread to damage the building. Minister then fled the area.

Kent Police was called to the incident and attended along with Kent Fire and Rescue Service, who put out the fire. No injuries were reported.

Later that day, Minister used a fire extinguisher in a bid to damage a footbridge at Ashford International station. He smashed three car windscreens with a traffic cone.

Officers were alerted and Minister was arrested shortly afterwards, near to a skip outside the station. He had set fire to further items which burned out.

He was charged the next day with three counts of arson, three counts of criminal damage, attempted arson and attempted criminal damage.

After pleading guilty, Minister was sentenced on 4 September at Canterbury Crown Court to 18 months’ imprisonment, which included a 2 month custodial term for breach of a community order.

Investigating officer, PC Evie Taylor-Ryall, said: ‘Minister's reckless yet deliberate actions caused significant damage to business and property, and potentially risked serious harm to members of the public. ‘Through swift enquiries, officers were able to secure key evidence to link the offender to each incident, enabling us to build a strong case with multiple charges authorised within 24 hours of his arrest. ‘This case demonstrates our determination to take robust action against those who commit offences of this nature, and Minister has now rightly been held to account for his crimes.’