A Swindon man has been found guilty of arson on a BMW after their partner broke up with them.

Kane Walker, 20, of County Road, Swindon, tried to scare their ex-partner after they broke up with him by setting fire to their family member’s BMW.

He was found guilty by jury of arson being reckless as to whether life is endangered, and witness intimidation in a trial at Bristol Crown Court ending September 12.

On March 7 this year, Walker was arrested following allegations made by his ex-partner and was released on bail.

Two days later, a BMW belonging to a family member of the victim was set on fire.

Following enquiries by Wiltshire Police, including collating CCTV footage, Walker was arrested before being charged and remanded in custody.

Trainee Complex Crime Investigator Catherine Baird, based in CID, said: “I want to thank the victims for the incredible bravery they have shown throughout this ordeal.

“Without their evidence for this case, we wouldn’t have been able to get this verdict.

“This was an example of an offender trying to scare the victim because she no longer wanted to be in a relationship with him and had made a complaint to the police.

“We should not feel scared to end relationships, we should be able to feel safe and not be subjected to actions like Walker’s.”

He is due to be sentenced on November 15.