Senior police officers have paid tribute to the 'diligent work' completed during the investigation which resulted in the prosecution of Damion Harris following a fire at an Aberystwyth Hotel.

At Swansea Crown Court yesterday Damion Harris, 31, was sentenced to 21 years in prison after he set a cupboard full of linen on fire inside the Ty Belgrave House hotel, resulting in it being engulfed in flames and forcing guests woken by smoke to jump from balconies and climb to its roof to survive.

New CCTV and drone footage of Harris staring the blaze, which tragically claimed the life of 48-year-old hotel guest Juozas Tunaitis, was released by the police yesterday(above).

Detective Inspector Jonathan Rees, Ceredigion C.I.D said his thoughts were with the victim's family.

“Damion Harris has today received an extended sentence of 21 years in prison after pleading guilty to Manslaughter, Causing Grievous Bodily Harm and Arson being Reckless as to Endanger life. He has been designated a dangerous offender.

“This is a tragic case where 48 year-old Juozas Tunaitis sadly lost his life in the fire at the Ty Belgrave Hotel, Aberystwyth in July last year where sixteen guests, including children, were staying.

“A complex criminal investigation followed, involving specialist resources from Dyfed Powys Police Criminal Investigation Department, Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service, Urban Search and Rescue, Forensic Scientists, supported by the Crown Prosecution Service, which has led to this result today.

“I would like to thank everyone involved for their diligent work in bringing the offender to justice and also to the community in Aberystwyth for their support and patience during what was an intense investigation. ”

“Our thoughts remain with the family of Mr Tunaitis and hope that this result will provide some closure to the family.”