A MALVERN man who killed a neighbour and injured his wife and daughter in a callous firebomb attack on their home has been convicted of murder and jailed for a minimum of 22 years.

Stephen George-Davies showed no emotion as he was led to the cells at Worcester Crown Court as someone in the public gallery shouted "scum" and there was a burst of applause for the jury.

He had heard Judge Alistair McCreath describe his crime as an "absolutely horrifying offence" and direct that he should not be freed until the authorities decided he was no longer a threat to the public.

George-Davies, aged 51, of Oak Crescent, Malvern, had admitted at the outset of the trial that he was guilty of the manslaughter of 38-year-old Richard Perkins, of The Glade, Malvern Link, and arson being reckless whether life was endangered.

But the jury of six men and six men were out for less than three hours in returning guilty verdicts on the charges of murder and arson with intent to endanger life.

Defence counsel Richard Benson QC submitted a letter from the accused, which expressed remorse. George-Davies's history of his life made sad reading. He had suffered from a catalogue of abuse as a youngster from his step-father and it was hard to imagine the effect it had upon him.

Mr Benson said: "He was brought up with violence and it is one of the examples where violence has bred violence."

George-Davies had gone to the Perkins' home on October 12 last year to discuss the sale of Staffordshire bull terrier pups which Mrs Roseanne Perkins had for sale. It started as a convivial evening, said Judge McCreath, which came to an abrupt end when George-Davies, who had been drinking heavily, decided to expose himself to the company, which included two women.

It was understandable that Sean Perkins, the son, reacted by striking the man who had become an unwelcome guest. The upshot was that George-Davies had gone home and brooded for three hours before returning with a canister of petrol, which he sprinkled on the front door of the Perkins home.

The fire spread rapidly and it was fortunate that Katie Perkins, the daughter, woke to find the house smoke-logged. Had she not given the alarm, there was a massive risk of multiple deaths as six people were in the house.

Mrs Perkins faced the terrrible dilemma of trying to save her husband or her children, said the judge. George-Davies had expressed remorse but the events of that evening had been premeditated and an horrific experience for the victims.

The judge, who also imposed a 12-year concurrent sentence on the arson charge, said the life sentence for murder meant he should serve 22 years before being considered for release.

Speaking after the case, Detective Chief Inspector Dave Morgan, of West Mercia Police, said: “The sentence imposed on Stephen George-Davies by the court today clearly reflects the seriousness of his crimes.

“My first thoughts are with all the family of Richard Perkins who have had to attempt to move on with their lives after this horrific incident. I would particularly like to pay tribute to Roseann, Katie and Ben who have not only lost a husband and step-father but were terrifyingly caught up in the fire themselves that night and all suffered injuries.

“I would like to wish the family good health, especially Katie who was only 17 at the time of the fire and was extremely poorly in the weeks following it. I know that Katie is still being treated for some of her injuries and would like to wish her well in the future.

“I hope that the conclusion of this court case and the sentencing of George-Davies will ease their pain a little and bring a small degree of comfort knowing that the man responsible has been brought to justice. I hope this is also true for those living in the community in and around The Glade many of whom I know were affected by this incident.

“This was a tragic case, extremely rare for Malvern and the West Mercia Police area as a whole. A large team of detectives and specialists worked tirelessly, along with professionals from the fire service and Forensic Science Service, to ensure that no stone was left unturned in bringing the person responsible for this deliberate and horrific crime that shattered a family to justice.”

For a full report of the background of the trial see tomorrow's Worcester News.