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The Manc -
7th February 2020
The Manc -
7th February 2020 News
‘Manipulative’ man jailed for life after setting ex-partner’s house on fire while she slept
Emily Sergeant
A man has been jailed for life after he set his ex-partner’s house on fire while she was asleep.
Nicholas Martin, from Leicester, appeared at Manchester Minshull Street Crown Court yesterday (10 November) where he was sentenced to 30 years in prison after previously being found guilty of attempted murder and assault occasioning actual bodily harm at a trial back in September.
The 63-year-old was also made the subject of a life-long restraining order against the victim.
It comes after Martin, at around 5:10am on 22 October 2024, poured petrol through the letterbox of his ex-partner’s house and set it alight before leaving the area.
The victim was initially woken in the middle of the night after hearing her letterbox snapping closed and then heard a crackling sound which resembled a log burner.
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Shortly after she realised her house was on fire, she proceeded to jump out of her first-floor bedroom window to safety, and although she survived the attack, she did suffer two broken ankles and a broken vertebrae in her back from the jump.
Very sadly though, the victim’s pet cat was killed in the fire.
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#JAILED | Man jailed for 30 years after setting fire to victim’s house whilst she slept
— Greater Manchester Police (@gmpolice) November 10, 2025
Nicholas Martin (28/8/1962) of Bosworth Street, Leicester, was found guilty of attempt murder and assault occasioning actual bodily harm at a trial at the same court on Wednesday 10 September pic.twitter.com/pDj8Clh74G
Martin had been in a relationship with the woman since 2019, but became increasingly controlling over the years, and had been monitoring her movements by installing home cameras, prevented her from seeing family members, constantly criticising her, and even controlling what she could eat, wear, and watch on television.
At the time of the offence, Martin was on bail for a previous assault with conditions in place for him not to contact the victim and to reside in Leicester – but he left his bail address, rented a car, and drove to Worsley.
He booked into a hotel and waited until the middle of the night to execute his attack when he knew his ex-partner would be asleep.
Martin was arrested on 23 October 2024 at a hotel in the Lake District, where a can containing petrol was recovered in the hotel room wardrobe.
Greater Manchester Police (GMP) confirmed he made no comment in his police interview and went on to plead ‘not guilty’ at court. Despite later admitting to causing the fire, he claimed he had no intention to kill the woman.
Read more:
- Police investigation underway following ‘shocking’ arson at Marple Cenotaph on Bonfire Night
- Three teenagers arrested on suspicion of arson after large moorland fire in Bury
- Greater Manchester restaurants are adding an extra £1 to bills to help fight homelessness this Christmas
“Martin undertook a campaign of abuse against his victim lasting a number of years,” explained Detective Constable Zoe Bellis, from GMP’s Salford CID following the sentencing.
“His last act nearly resulted in a woman’s death and I am thankful of [the] sentencing result putting this despicable individual behind bars and away from harming other victims.”
Featured Image – GMP
News
Police issue urgent appeal to help find missing pregnant woman
Danny Jones
Police in Longsight and Moss Side have shared an urgent appeal to help find a pregnant woman who went missing from Manchester this past Thursday.
The 34-year-old, thus far identified only as Jessica, was last seen around 7pm on 6 November.
Believed to be a Longsight local, she was last spotted in the area heading in the direction of Wythenshawe, but also has connections to other Greater Manchester areas.
It has now been over four days since she was most recently seen in person; her friends, family and authorities are understandably growing worried about her welfare.
#MISSING | Have you seen Jessica (34)?
— Longsight & Moss Side Police (GMP) (@GMPLongsight) November 10, 2025
She was last seen heading towards #Longsight from #Wythenshawe at around 7pm on Thursday and has links to #Manchester city centre and #Stockport. pic.twitter.com/fHEcM0W5ai
Described as a white female with long brown hair, she was wearing a big coat and leggings at the time of her disappearance.
While details like her height and particulars surrounding clothing still remain unclear, she is heavily pregnant at around seven months with a noticeable bump.
Obviously, given her pregnancy, she is considered a vulnerable missing persons case.
Sharing a follow-up statement after the original post was shared by Greater Manchester Police (GMP), Longsight and Moss Side’s neighbourhood policing team added: Officers are becoming increasingly concerned about [Jessica] and want to make sure she is found safe and well.
They say that “extensive enquiries” have also been received and looked into since she was initially reported missing to us.
She is also said to have connections not only to the borough of Stockport but people in Manchester city centre, as well.
Officers are therefore asking anyone with any info they think might be helpful; you can contact the services via 101 quoting MSP/06A3/000/1558/25. As always, in the case of emergencies, please dial 999 immediately.
Read more:
- Investigation underway following ‘shocking’ arson at Marple Cenotaph on Bonfire Night
- Strangeways redevelopment plans finalised with thousands of new homes and urban park
- Manchester security guard jailed for raping woman who asked him for help
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Featured Images — GMP
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