Two men have been jailed for their roles in arson attacks targeting properties linked to Keir Starmer, the Leader of the Opposition. Roman Lavrynovych, 22, was sentenced to seven years in prison, while Stanislav Carpiuc, 27, received a two-year sentence.
Both men were found guilty of conspiring to damage property by fire between April 1 and May 13, 2025. Lavrynovych was also convicted of damaging property by fire recklessly, though he was acquitted of intending to endanger life. The judge described Lavrynovych as a "useful idiot" who was easily manipulated and "easily bought." Carpiuc was said to have played a "supporting role" in the "utterly reckless" attacks.
A third man, Petro Pochynok, 35, was found not guilty of the conspiracy charge.
The court heard that a Toyota car previously owned by the prime minister was found on fire on May 8, 2025, on a street where Starmer used to live in Kentish Town. Three days later, on May 11, a fire was discovered at flats linked to Starmer in nearby Islington, where he had lived years prior.
The following day, May 12, a fire was found at the entrance to Starmer's Kentish Town home, which he still owned and was renting to his sister-in-law, Judith Alexander. Alexander testified during the trial, describing how thick black smoke filled the stairs while she, her daughter, and her partner were inside the house.