Raude awakening for potential victims of firebug

A French waiter who set light to the restaurant where he worked has been jailed for two-and-a-half years.

Claude Raude caused more than £70,000 worth of damage to Bistro St Pierre in Haywards Heath, Sussex, after a drinking binge, Lewes Crown Court heard last week.

At the time, Raude was suspended from work after throwing garlic bread across the kitchen, a punishment that he considered excessive. He broke into the premises late at night and started a fire while other waiters living above were inside. Firefighters found Raude unconscious in the downstairs area.

The court heard that, when interviewed by police, Raude initially denied having any involvement but admitted it after being shown CCTV footage of himself at the scene.

John Mannion, defending, said that it was never Raude's intention to destroy the restaurant or harm his friends and colleagues.