A man tried to start a fire at a petrol station in a terrifying moment caught on CCTV.
Around 10.15pm on September 6, Rory James Bolton Mayoh was spotted trespassing on the railway tracks near Bournemouth train station, which forced power to be turned off and caused disruption to services.
Mayoh walked through multiple no entry signs and then climbed over a metal railing making his way to an Asda petrol station.
When at the petrol station, he attempted to release fuel from the pumps while repeatedly trying to ignite a lighter.
He then climbed onto the roof, where he remained for minutes.
During this time, he ripped off slate, metal and glass from the roof and threw it down onto the forecourt, posing a serious risk to anyone nearby.
He subsequently made his way down from the roof and continued in his efforts to get fuel from a pump while igniting his lighter.
When at the petrol station, he attempted to release fuel from the pumps while repeatedly trying to ignite a lighter
He subsequently made his way down from the roof and continued in his efforts to get fuel from a pump while igniting his lighter
In a desperate bid to bring the situation to a safe resolution, a police officer approached Mayoh, who then ran away from officers
Mayoh, 31 and of Shaftesbury, picturedm, was arrested and charged in connection with the incident
In a desperate bid to bring the situation to a safe resolution, a police officer approached Mayoh, who then ran away from officers.
As he was chased by police and as he was arrested, Mayoh bit an officer’s thigh.
Mayoh, 31 and of Shaftesbury, was arrested and charged in connection with the incident.
He pleaded guilty to attempted arson, common assault of an emergency worker, criminal damage and affray and was sentenced at Bournemouth Crown Court on Thursday 4 April 2025 to four years in prison.
Police Constable Harry Roissetter, of BCP CID, said: ‘The completely reckless actions of Mayoh could have had very serious, tragic consequences for staff at the petrol station, members of the public in the area and officers attending the incident.
‘Thankfully, staff at the petrol station noticed Mayoh’s behaviour and were able to prevent fuel from being released.
‘The quick-thinking and brave actions of officers enabled Mayoh to be detained and the incident was brought to a safe resolution.
‘A detailed investigation by detectives was subsequently carried out, which has secured a jail sentence for the defendant for his unacceptable dangerous behaviour.’
