Uploaded October 2022 | Updated September 2026, 4 hours ago
A hero who helped his neighbours escape a burning building in the middle of the night tells his story.
Joel Richards was seriously injured when his neighbour, Hakeem Kigundu set fire to Rowe Court in Reading on 15 December last year.
Joel awoke to find the flats on fire. He helped neighbours out of the burning building and had to jump out of a window to escape.
Kigundu was jailed for life at court yesterday, after he pleaded guilty to two counts of murder, two counts of grievous bodily harm and one count of arson with intent to endanger life.
Watch Joel’s story here. Please be aware, the video contains content that some people may find upsetting.
Our thoughts remain with the families and friends of Neil and Richard and all residents of Rowe Court who lost their possessions and homes.
Press release: bit.ly/3eeOfWy
A hero who helped his neighbours escape a burning building in the middle of the night tells his story.
Joel Richards was seriously injured when his neighbour, Hakeem Kigundu set fire to Rowe Court in Reading on 15 December last year.
Joel awoke to find the flats on fire. He helped neighbours out of the burning building and had to jump out of a window to escape.
Kigundu was jailed for life at court yesterday, after he pleaded guilty to two counts of murder, two counts of grievous bodily harm and one count of arson with intent to endanger life.
Watch Joel’s story here. Please be aware, the video contains content that some people may find upsetting.
Our thoughts remain with the families and friends of Neil and Richard and all residents of Rowe Court who lost their possessions and homes.
Press release: bit.ly/3eeOfWy
