A man who burnt down an Aberystwyth seaside hotel, killing a guest, has today been jailed for 16 years.

Damion Harris, 31, of Llanbadarn Fawr, admitted the manslaughter of Juozas Tunaitis, arson and inflicting grievous bodily harm after setting fire to Ty Belgrave last July.

He has been given a 16-year custodial sentence, with an additional five years on licence at Swansea Crown Court this afternoon.

Sentencing, Judge Paul Thomas said Harris had entered the hotel for a "malicious purpose".

"You set not one but two separate fires," he told Harris.

"Having set those fires you then deliberately removed a fire extinguisher. That, Mr Harris, was a wicked thing to do."

Following the sentence, Detective Inspector Jonathan Rees, Ceredigion CID, said: “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 16 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.”