Jailed: Harold Hill brothers who threw bottle of petrol through window

Craig (left) and Aaron Johnson were sentenced last week

Two brothers from Harold Hill have been jailed for throwing a beer bottle full of petrol through the window of a home in Basildon.

Craig and Aaron Johnson had tried to light the device before the attack, but fortunately it failed to ignite.

The bottle smashed through the window of a living room and the occupants ran inside in horror to see their car was engulfed in flames.

Prior to the incident, Craig, 27, had made indirect threats to a man over claims his car was damaged in Billericay.

He then entered a petrol station in Basildon where he filled a jerry can with petrol before buying bottles of beer and a lighter.

Both brothers, of Halesworth Road, then went to an address in High Road North and carried out the attack.

The pair then ran away but were later arrested and each charged with two counts of arson by being reckless and putting life in danger.

Appearing at Basildon Crown Court on Tuesday, 13 August, the pair were sentenced.

Craig was jailed for two years and four months.

Aaron was given 18 months.

Detective Inspector Stewart Eastbrook, of Basildon CID, said: “Craig Johnson was seen entering a petrol garage and buying the items he needed to carry out his attack.

“He met up with his brother before beer bottles full of petrol were thrown through a window while the occupants were still inside.

“Fortunately, they did not catch alight. The Johnsons then set a vehicle alight before running off.

“After analysing both CCTV and dash cam footage, we arrested and secured charges against them both.

“They will now have time to think about their actions in prison.”