Man Convicted for Setting Explosive Fire at Property in Rødovre

A 55-year-old man has been sentenced to 3.5 years in prison for setting fire to a property on Damhus Boulevard in Rødovre.

The verdict was handed down on Wednesday in the Glostrup Court.

The 55-year-old was accused of setting fire to properties on the night between January 26 and 27 last year by placing gas cylinders in the building, then opening their valves and pouring gasoline, which was then ignited, causing an explosion.

The property was under renovation when it was set on fire. Several neighbors were briefly evacuated during the fire.

After a lengthy investigation, police were able to arrest the 55-year-old on March 13 of the same year. After his arrest, he faced several charges. He was accused of threatening one of the police officers investigating the case and was also accused of attempting to smuggle a letter out of custody, in which he tried to get an acquaintance to give false testimony and extort this acquaintance. However, the attempt was thwarted when the letter was discovered.

The 55-year-old was largely convicted according to the indictment.

“It’s a serious case, which has been complicated by the fact that no one saw when the fire was ignited, and that the defendant has made great efforts throughout the case to prevent the truth from coming out. It hasn’t helped him, and he has now received a substantial sentence,” said special prosecutor Henrik Uhl Pedersen.

The man has appealed the verdict.