Woman with knife jailed for arson attack in Sheffield city centre outside mayor’s offices

Chantelle Sykes, aged 29, of Pollard Crescent, Southey, was sent to prison for a year after admitting arson, possession of a bladed article, and breach of a criminal behaviour order.

On November 9, 2022, police received reports of a bin on fire outside a property at the South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority having been deliberately set alight by Sykes. Sykes was arrested for the offence on November 25, when she was found to be in possession of a knife.

She pleaded guilty before Sheffield magistrates, and was sentenced on January 23 to 52 weeks’ prison.

Pc Dan Baines said: “We ensured we had all the evidence needed and secured to put Sykes behind bars. This incident is further proof that people who start fires do get caught and do get convicted. Starting fires is reckless, can cause huge damage and distress to the local community and can cost lives.”

South Yorkshire Fire and Rescue say the public can help reduce arson by putting bins out early on the morning of collection, rather than the night before; taking bins from the kerbside as soon as they can after they have been emptied; and storing bins and rubbish away from buildings, but within the boundary of their property

You can tell officials about people who you know are starting fires in your area by calling Firestoppers anonymously on 0800 169 5558 or by filling out a form online on https://forms.theiline.co.uk/firestoppers.