A man tried to start a fire at a petrol station has been caught on CCTV.
Around 10.15pm on September 6, Rory James Bolton Mayoh was spotted trespassing on the railway tracks near Bournemouth train station – forcing power to be switched off and causing travel chaos.
Mayoh then walked through multiple no entry signs and climbed over a metal railing making his way to an Asda petrol station.
When at the petrol station, the 31-year-old tried to pour fuel on the ground 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.
Mayoh then made his way down from the roof and continued in his efforts to get fuel from a pump while igniting his lighter.
James Bolton Mayoh, 31, was caught on CCTV trying to start a fire at a Bournemouth petrol station
He was luckily eventually stopped by brave police officers
In a desperate bid to bring the situation to a safe resolution, a police officer approached Mayoh, who then ran away from officers
The 31-year-old, of Shaftesbury, was arrested and charged
The CCTV then catches the moment a brave police officer inches towards Mayoh – who then tries to flee.
Cops chased him on foot and as they tried to arrest Mayoh, he 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.
The 31-year-old was sentenced to four years in prison at Bournemouth Crown Court on Thursday April 4.
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.’
