James Cox Acts for Asylum Seeker Acquitted of Arson With Intent to Endanger Life at Controversial ‘Asylum Hotels’

James Cox represented an Iraqi asylum seeker charged with arson with intent to endanger life at two controversial ‘asylum hotels’ in Essex, including the high-profile Bell Hotel.

James’ client was unanimously acquitted of arson with intent to endanger life in relation to both hotels following a three-day trial at Chelmsford Crown Court. He was, instead, convicted of the less serious offences of arson being reckless as to whether life was endangered. The case received significant media coverage.

The defendant accepted that he had deliberately started both fires. The first fire took place at the Phoenix Hotel, North Weald Bassett, and resulted in the hotel being rendered uninhabitable, with the fire destroying an entire wing of the building. As such, all the migrants residing at the Phoenix had to be moved. The defendant was ultimately moved to the Bell Hotel, Epping, where he set another fire, causing extensive damage. Expert evidence identified a risk of ‘multiple fatalities’.

In his police interview, the defendant denied starting either fire and suggested that ‘ghosts’ may be responsible. At various points in the interview, the defendant could be seen smiling, and this footage was played to the jury.

Despite accepting that he started the fires, the defendant denied that he intended to endanger life by doing so. Following a three-day trial, the jury ultimately acquitted the defendant of arson with intent to endanger life in relation to both fires.

James Cox was instructed by Danielle Roberts at OBW Perera.

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