Two men have been jailed for a total of 26 years for setting a man on fire at his home in Fossway, York.

Police officers rushed to the scene in the early hours of 19 April last year after receiving a call from a man in agony, stating that he had been set on fire.

The two men, Joshua Anthony Strickland, 29, and Robinson Peter Fitch Binks, 27, forced entry into the victim’s home before setting him ablaze.  

When officers arrived at the scene the victim was “in considerable pain and screaming.” 

After fleeing his attackers, the victim ran out onto the street where he was luckily spotted by a neighbour who poured water on him, and an ambulance was called.  

The victim was taken from his house in Fossway, York to Leeds General infirmary to be treated for his injuries. 

He had suffered 60 percent burns to his torso whilst also sustaining burns and blisters to his back and shoulder.  

North Yorkshire police state that forensic tests detect low levels of petrol residues used as an accelerant for the fire.  

The two perpetrators were caught and arrested a few days later when their vehicle was stopped by police in York.  

Both Strickland and Binks were sentenced at York Crown Court on 6 May with Strickland jailed for 14 years and Binks receiving 12 years.  

Strickland has received a longer custodial sentence as he was also found guilty of witness intimidation and pleaded guilty to the possession of an offensive weapon and criminal damage.  

The motivation behind the attack remains unknown.  

Photo credits: North Yorkshire Police