08 Sep 2026
A St Albans woman whose flat was deliberately set on fire on Christmas Day has spoken out about the impact it has had on her – after the man responsible was sentenced to four years imprisonment.
St Albans Crown Court heard that the arson had caused the woman aged in her 20s “extreme psychological distress” as well as significant damage to her personal belongings and important documents.
At around 6.30pm on Christmas Day last year, Herts Fire and Rescue Service were called to a flat fire in Hatfield Road.
Khaqan Chaudhary, 43, of Sandridge Road, was arrested, charged and remanded into custody. He later pleaded guilty to arson with recklessness to endanger life. He was also given a 10-year restraining order to protect the victim from further harm.
The victim said: “I came to the United Kingdom with dreams, plans, and ambitions. I left my home, crossed continents, spent a significant amount of money and moved away from my family to build a future for myself.
“As the youngest member of my family, I had always been surrounded by love, support, and security. What happened to me changed all of that.
She said: “I cannot forgive what was done to me. My life was turned upside down. The fire did not just destroy my belongings; it destroyed my sense of stability, safety, and peace of mind. Important possessions, documents, and personal items were lost, but the emotional and psychological damage goes far beyond material things.”
Det Con Emily Foley said: “Choudhary intentionally set fire underneath the victim’s bed, where she kept her private documents and also inside her wardrobe.
“The victim was not in her flat at the time but there was another occupant in multi-occupancy property at the time.
“Thankfully they managed to escape without sustaining any injuries. Choudhary was seen on CCTV walking away from the scene and throwing a lighter over the fence.
“The victim was very brave to read out her victim impact statement in public court and has shown great strength throughout the court process. As well as a custodial sentence, Choudhary was also given a 10-year restraining order to protect the victim.”
