An arsonist who set fire to a crisp factory has been jailed for more than six years.
Colin William Goulding, 31, from Abertillery, pleaded guilty to arson with intent to endanger life at Cardiff Crown Court.
The blaze, which happened in September 2012, destroyed the factory on the Pen y Fan Industrial Estate and led to the loss of around 80 jobs.
Cardiff Crown Court was told how Goulding flicked a lit cigarette in the factory and around 60,000 litres of frying oil in the factory fed the blaze.
Goulding, who has the intellectual capacity of a 14-year-old, knew both his parents were working in the building at the time. He was sentenced to six years and three months in prison at a hearing on January 8.
Speaking after sentencing, Dewi Jones Group Manager and Head of the Fire Crime Unit at South Wales Fire and Rescue Service, said: “Currently 78% of all fires attended by South Wales Fire and Rescue Service are started deliberately which is completely unacceptable.
“Arson is a serious crime that has an impact on the whole community. The South Wales Fire and Rescue Service Fire Crime Unit will continue to work with the Police and its partners to bring arsonists to justice.
“We also urge members of the public to help us look after their communities and the safety of their families by reporting any individuals they believe are involved with arson activities. Any information can be reported anonymously to the Police or through the SWFRS app or by calling the Fire Crime Unit free on: 0800 7317287.”