A NORTH YORKSHIRE security firm owner who masterminded a campaign of night-time arson has been jailed for three years.

Peter Holland, 40, forced another man to torch three cars in the Selby area, then browbeat an accomplice from York and a woman into giving him an alibi, a court heard.

But the woman later confessed to police and Holland was arrested as he flew into Gatwick Airport after celebrating his birthday in Cuba.

Holland ran a mobile security firm, HMS Security, which served a number of English Heritage sites in the county.

His address in court was Blackwood Farm, Market Weighton Road, North Duffield, but police today said his most recent address was Easingwold.

He was brought to justice after a determined investigation by Selby beat officers Acting Sergeant Phil Holliday and PC Darren Thompson. Detective Sergeant Dave Pegg, of Selby CID, today praised the efforts of the two officers in securing the conviction.

"They decided to take on the case themselves and did a first-rate job," he said. "They should be very proud."

At Sheffield Crown Court yesterday, Judge Michael Murphy QC said there were "sinister overtones" to the offences.

He told the two men: "I am convinced these cars were burned for some criminal purpose."

He jailed Holland for three years and made him pay £7,250 compensation to the car owners. Holland admitted three offences of arson and one of perverting the course of justice. He denied threatening anyone.

David William Barker, 22, of Bramham Road, Chapelfields, York, who admitted three offences of arson, was jailed for 12 months.

Nikki Peers, prosecuting, said they bought three full petrol canisters and two cans of lighter fuel at a Goole garage in June last year. Later that night, cars in Brayton and Drax were set alight.

Both the woman and Barker told police that they feared Holland. Barker claimed he owed £7,500 to Holland, who had threatened to break his leg.

For Holland, Nicholas Barker said his client believed the car owners were responsible for an attack on his friend.

Updated: 10:42 Friday, May 21, 2004