John Brown jailed for life for 16 Keswick arson attacks
A man who "traumatised" a Cumbrian town by carrying out a series of arson attacks has been sentenced to life in prison.
John Brown, 48, targeted two houses, a pub, cars, caravans and bins in Keswick between March 2011 and January 2013.
He was convicted of 10 arson charges and six of arson being reckless as to whether life was endangered last month.
Brown, of Windebrowe Avenue, was jailed for life with a minimum of 18 years at Carlisle Crown Court.
The court heard how Brown set fire to houses on the street where he lived, including one incident where three children had to be rescued from the bedroom.
He also set fire to a car in a garage underneath a bedroom extension, which exploded.
Det Insp Ian Harwood, of Cumbria Police, said: "The residents on Windebrowe Aveune in Keswick were traumatised by his actions.
"The fires he started impacted on so many people and they were left feeling vulnerable and scared in their own homes."
Judge Peter Hughes QC said Brown had been "incredibly reckless" and it was only good fortune that prevented "serious injury or human tragedy".