A reckless arsonist who targeted seven vehicles in the Folkestone area in one night has been jailed. Michael Harragan who set fire to a campervan where an occupant slept – admitted to the offences before Canterbury Crown Court.
Kent Police investigated multiple reports of cars being found alight in the early hours of Friday 11 April 2025.
Officers reported Harragan, 55, had travelled around the area and torched vehicles in Canterbury Road, Walton Road and Military Road, as well as Whitenbrook in Hythe.
Kent Police Officers attended along with Kent Fire and Rescue Service, and the fires, which had caused extensive damage to the cars, were extinguished.
After initial enquiries were completed, Harragan was arrested shortly afterwards in London Road, Hythe. He was charged with six counts of arson the following day.
Later in the investigation it was established that the offender had also set alight a campervan on 11 April, parked in Castle Road, Sandgate. The owner, asleep inside, awoke to smoke and managed to put out the fire before leaving the area in the vehicle.
Harragan, from Folkestone, was further arrested and charged with reckless arson endangering life. He pleaded guilty and was sentenced on Friday 14 November to five years and three months’ imprisonment. He will spend a further year and nine months on licence at the conclusion of the custodial term.
Detective Constable Daniel Sains said:
‘It is hard to imagine what was going through Harragan’s mind that night, but the consequences of his reckless behaviour – which has had a significant impact on his victims – could have been utterly devastating. I am pleased that this dangerous offender has been put behind bars, and hope that it offers some closure to those affected by his crimes.’