Max Kay started the fire at Peckforton Castle near Cheshire in the early hours of the morning with a cigarette lighter following a dispute with staff over the cost of the reception.
His property development businesses had apparently failed before the wedding, and the 37-year old father of four had “over-committed himself” to an expensive wedding, according to his defence.
CCTV was shown to the court of Kay entering the drawing room where the fire started, and leaving shortly afterwards. As we reported in December when Kay pleaded guilty to arson that was reckless as to whether life was endangered, the devastating fire went on to cause almost £6m worth of damage.
Cheshire Constabulary’s DC Jo Gooddy, said, “Before the day of the wedding, staff had been having difficulty trying to get the money off Kay and experienced firsthand his aggressive and bullying nature. To avoid further problems and confrontations they decided costs had to be paid in full upfront, including the bar tab which covered the cost of the open bar."
The fire started shortly after the dispute with bar staff, and witnesses claimed to hear the defendant saying “nobody crosses Max”.
The judge cited Kay’s ego as the main cause of the fire, as he wanted to impress family and friends despite recent bankruptcy.
Sentencing, he said, “It was a miracle that nobody was either seriously hurt or killed by your actions. There is a long background to this – principally surrounding, it would appear, your ego.
“Having been made bankrupt and very recently discharged from that bankruptcy, you embarked upon a wedding that would involve paying a figure of approximately £25,000 for a ceremony you could nowhere near afford.”
Kay’s defence explained that his wife had recently given premature birth to twins, and that Kay already had a two year-old daughter and a 14 year-old stepson.
DC Gooddy also said, “We hope that Kay has time to reflect on actions which potentially could have proved fatal, not only for his guests and staff at the hotel, but for his new wife.”
