A man has been sentenced to more than six years in prison for throwing a petrol bomb at a family home in Rotherham, an incident that occurred in November 2023. Jamal Usman, 23, pleaded guilty to arson being reckless as to whether life is endangered at Sheffield Crown Court and received a sentence of six years and four months. He will also serve an additional three years on license after his release.
The attack took place in Warwick Street, Moorgate, and at the time, seven people, including two children and an infant, were inside the property. While six occupants escaped unharmed, one person sustained serious leg injuries after being forced to jump from a window. South Yorkshire Police responded to reports of a fire in the early hours of November 25, 2023. CCTV footage showed Usman and a group of others arriving near the residence in a taxi before launching the petrol bomb.
Det Sgt Chris Byne described the incident as a "miracle that no lives were lost" and praised the victims for their support of the investigation. "Usman showed a shocking lack of humanity, having a complete and utter disregard for the safety of those inside the house he targeted," Byne stated. He also noted that neighbors assisted the occupants in escaping with ladders.
Authorities are still seeking two individuals in connection with the offense.