New photographs show the devastation caused to allotments in Sutton-in-Ashfield after they were intentionally set alight by a homeless man.
Nathan Smith committed the act as "an act of spite" at the Lane End allotments, off Mansfield Road, at about 9.30pm on May 14, 2021.
He was absent from Nottingham Crown Court on Friday, February 25, where he was given a five-year prison sentence.
The full extent of the fire was heard in court where one witness had described a gas cylinder exploding and "it nearly blew me off my feet".
Another witness, a police officer involved in the search, described a gas cylinder exploding and "the sky lit up, the ground shook and the noise was overwhelming".
Now, new pictures released by Ashfield District Council show the full extent of the damage.
Reacting to the sentencing, councillor Samantha Deakin, cabinet member for streets, parks and town centres said: “The fire at Lane End Allotments had a significant impact on the local community.
"Nathan Smith’s custodial sentence is a positive outcome, and one I, my Central and New Cross Colleague Councillor David Hennigan and the residents of Sutton welcome."
However, thanks to members of the local community the allotments were cleaned up.
“ Employees from the local B&Q worked with the Council’s Environment team to clear glass and other burnt materials," continued cllr Deakin.
"Our local McDonalds at Kings Mill kindly donated refreshments. It was a fantastic example of communities coming together in a time of need. Through everyone’s hard work the allotments reopened in January this year.”
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