A man has today been sentenced to six years’ imprisonment after starting a fire at a flat in the Mid Harbour Estate which hospitalised five family members and killed their dog.

Spanish national Juan Francisco Sanchez Valenzuela, 19, of Castellar, was sentenced at the Supreme Court after pleading guilty to Arson with Intent to Endanger Life.

He has been on remand at HM Prison Windmill Hill since his arrest.

The incident took place at approximately 4:20am on the 10th of December 2024, when officers from the Royal Gibraltar Police responded to a residential fire at Wave Crest House.

The blaze resulted in five members of a family being hospitalised and tragically claimed the life of their family dog.

An RGP spokesperson said: “A guilty plea is always a good outcome for both the victims and the Royal Gibraltar Police. However, in this instance, there is no sentence that can alleviate what the family went through that night or the lasting impact it has had on them.

“Unfortunately, the incident not only resulted in the loss of a much-loved pet but also destroyed the family’s home. We are extremely fortunate that no lives were lost, despite the family being trapped inside, before being safely rescued.

“While the Criminal Investigation Department led the investigation, we extend our thanks to officers from Response Team 2 for their exemplary actions on the scene, as well as to the Gibraltar Fire and Rescue Service, the Gibraltar Ambulance Service, the Gibraltar Health Authority and the Housing Department. Their swift coordination helped bring as much stability as possible back to the family.”