A NHS whistleblower set fire to a Masonic hall and three cash machines in 20 minutes causing at least £18,000 worth of damage.

Colin Aries, 50, of no fixed address, was yesterday jailed for two years after pleading guilty to torching machines belonging to Lloyds TSB, Santander and Yorkshire Bank and attacking a Freemasons hall in Banbury.

Oxford Crown Court heard Aries went on the arson spree after quitting a care job in both the NHS and a private firm after concerns he raised were not dealt with.

Prosecutor Nigel Ogborne said the fires were set between 2am and 2.20am on June 5. Aries had cycled to the scene and used flammable liquids to start the fires.

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Damage to the Masonic hall was estimated at £14,000 and damage to one cash machine was worth £4,550.

Mr Ogborne said Aries sent a former colleague a text message after the fires, which read: “Hello, I am the chap who was responsible for the arson attacks in Banbury earlier in the week. Over the course of the week I will be doing the same to The Slade in Horspath.”

Officers went to Aries’ address in Broughton Road, Banbury, and found bags of liquid and a plastic fuel container.

When police called Aries on his mobile, he told them: “I have had a really bad last two years and those responsible for that are going to get what they deserve.

“I am not going to hurt anyone I can assure you of that, but what I will do will make the news.”

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