#the-wallich — Public Fediverse posts
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SWANSEA: Man told support worker he wanted to go back to prison for gym access — then set his hostel on fire to get there
A man has been jailed after setting fire to his hostel using an aerosol as an accelerant — just hours after telling a support worker he wanted to go back to prison for the food and gym facilities.
Matthew Draper, 40, was living in a hostel for people with complex needs on The Strand in Swansea city centre, run by The Wallich charity, when he set the fire on January 24 this year.
The Wallich is a Welsh charity supporting homeless and vulnerable people across Wales. Its Dinas Fechan project on The Strand is a 15-bedroom hostel providing shelter and support to single homeless people with a range of complex needs — including mental health issues, learning difficulties, offending behaviour and substance misuse.
Each resident has their own living space, meets regularly with a support worker, and can access help with everything from drug and alcohol support to advice on finding permanent accommodation.
Swansea Crown Court heard that earlier that afternoon Draper had told his support worker he wanted to return to prison where he would get “three square meals a day” and access to a gym.
Shortly before 4.45pm, he used an aerosol as an accelerant to set fire to lockers against an external wall of the hostel. The flames quickly took hold and reached a window some 15ft above ground level, though they did not enter the building. Rather than raise the alarm or flee, Draper stayed at the scene to watch the fire.
Staff were alerted and called the emergency services. Officers from the nearby fire station arrived almost immediately, the hostel was evacuated, and the blaze was extinguished.
Draper was arrested and answered “no comment” to all questions in interview.
Formerly of Geiriol Road, Townhill, Swansea, Draper has 21 previous convictions for 61 offences, the majority of which are for theft. His most recent prior conviction, from October 2023, was for shoplifting women’s clothes from the Matalan store in Cwmdu, Swansea, and failing to surrender to court.
His advocate told the court that at the age of 40 it was to be hoped Draper was motivated to “deal with the issues that have dogged him for much of his life.”
Draper had previously pleaded guilty to arson and arson with recklessness as to whether life was endangered. With a discount for his guilty plea he was sentenced to 27 months in prison. He will serve up to half that time in custody before being released on licence.
PC Gareth Bennett, of South Wales Police, said the behaviour could have cost lives. “Idiotic behaviour like that shown by Matthew Draper could have resulted in serious injury or even lives being lost on that day,” he said.
“This was completely reckless behaviour and it cannot be tolerated. He is clearly a danger to society and prison is the best place for him.”
Related stories from Swansea Bay News
Five jailed after street brawl saw family arm themselves with nail-studded plank in revenge attack
Another recent sentencing story from Swansea Crown Court.Man jailed for strangling vulnerable partner who he threatened would end up back on the streets
#Arson #SouthWalesPolice #Swansea #SwanseaCrownCourt #TheStrand #TheWallich #Townhill
Another recent sentencing story involving vulnerable people in supported accommodation. -
Swansea man jailed after setting fire to supported housing block and calling police to confess
Christopher Sayce, 42, admitted arson after lighting a blaze inside The Wallich accommodation on Carlton Terrace on 16 November last year. The fire caused extensive damage to his attic room and forced staff to evacuate 13 other residents from the three‑storey building.
Police said Sayce started the fire shortly before 4pm, then walked out of the property and used a nearby payphone at around 4.20pm to tell officers what he had done.
Sayce pleaded guilty to arson in December and was sentenced this week.
According to police, Sayce launched the attack after a member of staff refused to give him a cigarette. The Wallich provides supported accommodation for people experiencing homelessness and addiction issues, and Sayce had been living in one of the building’s two attic rooms.
Detective Sergeant James Tincombe said Sayce’s actions could easily have led to tragedy.
“Christopher Sayce launched his arson attack after being refused a cigarette by a member of staff at the premises,” he said. “It is very fortunate that nobody was injured as a result of Christopher Sayce’s reckless actions.
“He clearly poses a danger to the public and for that reason it is great to see him receive an extended prison sentence.”
Court proceedings heard that Sayce had been consuming large amounts of alcohol at the time and had walked past staff on the stairs as they rushed to investigate the fire alarm. Prosecutors said the blaze caused significant damage to the room and forced the evacuation of all 13 other occupants.
The Wallich is now assessing the full cost of the damage.
Sayce will serve a custodial term followed by an extended licence period due to the risk he poses to the public.
Related stories from Swansea Bay News
Prolific burglar caught on doorbell cameras trying a dozen Baglan doors jailed for five years
A serial offender was filmed attempting multiple break‑ins across Baglan before being arrested and jailed.CCTV hunt after shop worker assaulted in Swansea city centre robbery
Police released CCTV images after a worker was attacked during a robbery in the city centre.£43k golf club burglary spree hits Haverfordwest and Carmarthen as Newport duo admit overnight raids
Two men admitted a string of high‑value break‑ins targeting golf clubs across west Wales.Brothers jailed after burglary spree hits homes across Carmarthenshire and Pembrokeshire
#Arson #CarltonTerrace #fire #SouthWalesPolice #Swansea #TheWallich
Two brothers were sentenced after a series of home burglaries across rural west Wales. -
Swansea restaurant boss dishes up festive kindness with hot meals for homeless
The owner of Rasoi Indian Kitchen in Pontlliw and Rasoi Waterfront in SA1 delivered almost 50 freshly cooked meals on Wednesday 17 December to two city projects run by homelessness charity The Wallich.
The meals were shared at the Gorwelion Project on Gore Terrace and the Ty Tom Jones Project on Alexandra Road, both of which provide safe accommodation and vital support for people who have experienced, or are at risk of, homelessness.
“Christmas is about kindness”
Speaking about the gesture, Suki said:
Rasoi staff and volunteers stand behind a buffet of freshly prepared Indian dishes, ready to serve hot meals to people experiencing homelessness in Swansea.“No one should feel forgotten at this time of year. Christmas is about kindness, and we hope that a warm meal helps bring some comfort to people who really deserve a moment of joy. Our staff were amazing as always — they jumped at the chance to get involved and we’re proud to continue to support our community in this way.”
Charity hails timely boost
Staff at The Wallich said Rasoi’s gesture offered a welcome lift at one of the toughest times of year.
Mark Winston, Area Manager for The Wallich, said:
“Christmas can be an especially challenging and emotional time for people who have experienced homelessness. Acts of kindness like this remind people that their community cares about them. We’re incredibly grateful to Rasoi for stepping in once again to support our projects in Swansea.”
Rasoi’s reputation for giving back
Rasoi’s ongoing commitment to community support has earned the restaurants a reputation for generosity, with regular backing for local charities and initiatives throughout the year.
Suki added:
“It really is our pleasure and ethos to give back to our local community, and we are so grateful to help a very deserving cause. We hope this helps to raise awareness of the excellent work being carried out by The Wallich here in our city — especially at this time of year.”
Related stories from Swansea Bay News
Rasoi Waterfront marks ten years with ten days of free dishes
Swansea’s award-winning Indian restaurant celebrates a decade of flavour and community impact.Swansea Rasoi wins ‘Indian Restaurant of the Year’ at national awards
Rasoi’s commitment to quality and community earns national recognition.Rasoi launches Wales’ first Indian street food vending machine in Swansea
Rasoi expands its reach with a 24-hour vending machine offering hot Indian meals.Support service for rough sleepers in Swansea receives national award
A life-changing homelessness project in Swansea is recognised for helping people off the streets.From Swansea’s streets to site work: Dean rebuilds his future
A powerful story of recovery and opportunity through local housing support.Animal charity teams up with accommodation provider to support homeless dog owners
#Charity #Christmas #foodDrink #GorwelionProject #homelessness #IndianRestaurant #Pontlliw #RasoiIndianKitchen #restaurant #SA1 #TheWallich #TyTomJones
The Wallich and Dogs Trust join forces to support people and pets experiencing homelessness.