On Trial: Three Men Accused of Arson at Properties Linked to Keir Starmer

The trial of three men accused of torching properties linked to Prime Minister Keir Starmer gets underway next week.

The three are:

• Roman Lavrynovych, 22, of Sydenham, a Ukrainian national, charged with three offences of arson with intent to endanger life;
• Stanislav Carpiuc, 26, of Romford, a Ukrainian-born Romanian national, charged with conspiracy to commit arson with intent to endanger life;
• Petro Pochynok, 34, of Holloway Road, north London, a Ukrainian national, charged with conspiracy to commit arson.

They are currently remanded in custody in HMP Belmarsh.

Arson with intent to endanger life or being reckless as to whether life would be endangered, otherwise known as aggravated arson, is an offence under sections 1(2) and 1(3) of the Criminal Damage Act 1971. The maximum sentence on conviction on indictment is life imprisonment.

The allegations relate to a car fire in Kentish Town on Thursday, 8th May 2025; a residential fire in Islington on Sunday, 11th May 2025; and a residential fire in Kentish Town on Monday, 12th May 2025.

The trial, over which Mrs Justice Cheema-Grubb is presiding, is listed at the Central Criminal Court, beginning on Monday, 27th April 2026.

It could be very interesting indeed. It will be particularly interesting to see the extent of media reporting during the trial.