CPS statement on Gordon Thompson

24/02/2012

Gordon Thompson pleaded guilty today (Friday 24th) February 2012 at the Central Criminal Court to setting fire to the Reeves Furniture Store in Croydon on 8th August, 2011 and three burglaries. 

CPS London reviewing lawyer Anthony Connell said: "Gordon Thompson has admitted setting fire to Reeves Furniture Store and committing three burglaries during the London disorder in Croydon on August 8th last year. His callous actions recklessly endangered the life of many innocent people, not least the firefighters who bravely extinguished the blaze. A much loved iconic local building was raised to the ground and the efforts of generations of hard-working members of the Reeves family were destroyed. Members of the public both in Croydon and elsewhere were shocked at the devastating damage his actions caused.

"We are pleased that, faced with the strength of the case against him, he has now admitted his guilt thereby avoiding causing many witnesses the additional trauma of having to give evidence.

"He will be sentenced on 11th April, 2012.