THE SEVEN-year jail sentence imposed on an arsonist who carried out a campaign of destruction on a Monmouthshire farming community was welcomed by victims and fire officers alike.

Labourer Jon Hanson, 27, was sentenced at Cardiff Crown Court last week by Recorder David Aubrey QC.

And Margaret Parry of Elms Farm in Llantilio Pertholey applauded the severity of the sentence.

Mrs Parry, 55, and her husband Gerald 59, awoke at 3am on June 9 to the sound of their neighbours calling "fire".

It was a sound they had been dreading after a fire the night before on Chapel Farm less than a mile away and another on Werngochlyn Farm next door the week before.

Mrs Parry said: "I phoned the fire brigade immediately while my husband went out to find our biggest building was ablaze.

"It contained our winter stocks of straw and silage which was all destroyed at a cost of around £65,000."

Mr Parry unbolted the door and acted fast to enter the building and drive a tractor and trailer out to safety.

Mrs Parry said: "When he drove the tractor out, the wheels of the trailer were on fire. He showed great common sense and composure to stop after that and wait for the fire brigade. I'm sure others may have gone in to see what else they could salvage, which could have resulted in an accident."

The fire brigade arrived quickly, as did assisting neighbours, who were later taken out for a meal by the Parrys as a token of their gratitude.

Though the incident was three months ago and the barn is partially rebuilt, Mrs Parry says the trauma and anger is hard to shake off.

Mrs Parry said: "We are very angry that Mr Hanson stood and watched our property burning, even pretended to assist in putting the fire out. We're pleased the courts recognised the seriousness of his offences."

Mick Flanagan, head of the South Wales Fire Service Arson Reduction Unit, said: "We're delighted with this prosecution.

"Prison is the best place for someone like Mr Hanson, prepared to put the public and in this case, a farming community, at risk.

"The severity of the sentence sends a clear message to others that arson will be punished."