Two jailed after a York man was set on fire

Two men have been jailed for a total of 26 years after a York man was set on fire.

Joshua Anthony Strickland, 29, of no fixed address and Robinson Peter Fitch Binks, 27, of Clarence Street, York, were both found guilty by jury of causing grievous bodily harm after forcing their way into a York property and setting the man on fire.

In the early hours of 19 April 2024, North Yorkshire Police received a call from a man in considerable pain and screaming that he had been set on fire. An ambulance was called and police rushed to the scene, alerting the fire service due to a report of possible chemicals being used on the man.

The victim was treated at the scene - a property in the Fossgate area of York - by paramedics and taken to Leeds General Infirmary for treatment to burns and blistering.

It is believed that an accelerant was used as the victim described being squirted with liquid during the attack. Forensic tests from the scene detected low levels of petrol residues.

Police launched a hunt for the attackers who had fled the scene after attacking the victim as he laid on the sofa.

The investigation led them to Strickland and Binks who were arrested a few days later after a vehicle they were travelling in was stopped by officers in York.

Strickland was also found guilty of witness intimidation and pleaded guilty to possessing an offensive weapon and criminal damage after he attacked a vehicle belonging to a member of the victim’s family and made threats to harm him and the rest of his family. He was also charged and convicted of assaulting a police officer after becoming aggressive while in police custody and kicking an officer in the face.

Both men were remanded in custody since being arrested in April 2024. They were sentenced at York Crown Court on Tuesday 6 May 2025. Strickland was given a total custodial sentence of 14 years, and Binks was given a total custodial sentence of 12 years.

Detective Sergeant Michele Fawcett of North Yorkshire Police’s Major Investigation Team, said: “This was a particularly shocking incident and could have been catastrophic for the victim. While it is rare for this type of crime in York and North Yorkshire, nonetheless it has caused considerable alarm and concern among the local community who I would like to thank for their cooperation, patience and understanding while we investigated the incident.

“Strickland and Binks now have time in prison to reflect on their actions and should take every chance they are given to divert themselves away from a life of criminality.”