Man pleads guilty to arson, GBH and murder in Tilehurst flat fire
A man has pleaded guilty to arson, grievous bodily harm and murder after he set fire to a block of flats in Tilehurst.
Hakeem Kigundu, 32 formerly of Rowe Court, pleaded guilty today (Tuesday) at Reading Crown Court to two counts of murder, two counts of grievous bodily harm and one count of arson with intent to endanger life
Thames Valley Police said Mr Kigundu started a fire at the block of flats, where he had been a resident, on December 15 last year.
The fire then spread, causing major damage to the building, trapping residents inside.
Two residents, Richard Burgess, 46 and Neil Morris, 45 were killed.
Thames Valley Police said two other people were seriously injured as a result of Mr Kigundu’s actions.
A large emergency service presence was required at the scene and a major incident was declared.
Mr Kigundu was arrested later the same day, and charged on December 17 last year.
Senior investigating officer of the Thames Valley Police Major Crime Unit detective inspector Sally Spence said: “Kigundu’s actions were devastating. Because he started a fire, Richard Burgess and Neil Morris have lost their lives, two other people have been seriously injured and all the residents have lost their homes and treasured possessions.
“The families of Mr Burgess and Mr Morris in particular have had to endure the unimaginable pain of waiting weeks for the bodies of their loved ones to be recovered from the site, as the building was so badly damaged that it was unsafe to remove them more quickly.
“I want to thank the families of Mr Burgess and Mr Morris, all the residents of Rowe Court who have lost their homes in such tragic circumstances, and the wider community for their cooperation and support during this extremely difficult time."
She added: “I’m pleased that Kigundu has pleaded guilty today, and that the families of Mr Burgess and Mr Morris will at least be spared the trauma of a trial.”
Mr Kigundu will be sentenced at Reading Crown Court over a two day hearing scheduled to take place on October 6 and October 7.
