A Wimborne man who started a series of vehicle fires causing more than £256,000 of damage has been jailed.
David Robert Giddins, aged 45, admitted twenty counts of arson when he appeared at Bournemouth Crown Court on Thursday 26 June 2025.
The court heard that overnight between Sunday 14 May and Monday 15 May 2023, eighteen vehicles were set alight in Broadstone, Wimborne and Merley. Fires were reported in Wentworth Drive, Oakley Hill, Oakley Road, Merley Way, Stour Walk, New Borough Road, Grove Road and Leigh Road.
Damage was also caused to buildings, with repair costs in excess of £183,000. Detectives from Dorset County CID led the investigation, supported by the fire service.
Officers carried out extensive enquiries, including checking CCTV and speaking with witnesses, and Giddins was arrested just days later on Wednesday 17 May 2023.
He was sentenced at Bournemouth Crown Court on Friday 26 September 2025 to four years and eight months in custody. Six other arsons in Wimborne, dating back to 2018 and January 2023, were also taken into consideration, adding £73,000 to the total cost of damage.
Detective Constable Neil Hooker said Giddins’ actions were reckless and that it was extremely fortunate nobody was injured. Chief Superintendent Julie Howe added that the investigation was complex and comprehensive, and the outcome delivered justice for those affected.
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