Ahmed Kawa, 35, of no fixed abode, has been sentenced to five years in prison for arson after starting a fire that destroyed Salotto 31 wine bar and restaurant in London, causing £411,500 in damages. The blaze, which occurred on June 12 last year on Lovat Lane, also damaged the Antiquarian Horological Society to the tune of £76,597.
Fire started with rubbish bag
CCTV footage captured Kawa setting a bag of rubbish alight before walking away. The fire spread to outdoor tables and chairs, then shattered the building's windows and engulfed the interior, destroying furniture, electrical equipment, decorations, and ruining bottles of wine and spirits.
Restaurant owner Alvise Dal Mas described the loss in a statement: “This is not just a business to me; it is like a home. It is my whole life and has my whole life inside.” He and his wife Eliana said 10 years of hard work went up in smoke.
Owner's emotional turmoil
Alvise told MyLondon that the aftermath was a “disaster,” moving him to tears by the sight and smell of the smoke-filled building. His greatest worry was being able to pay his loyal staff while the restaurant could not trade, stressing that losing his crew would destroy the business. Eliana noted that community support was the one positive outcome.
Alvise added: “I don't care about the value of the stupid stuff but those are memories we've lost. Salotto means living room, 31 is number on the door and it's our home. We want our home - everyone's home - back.”
Reopening and sentencing
The restaurant finally reopened in December last year. Following a trial at Inner London Crown Court, Kawa was found guilty of arson with recklessness as to whether life was endangered. Detective Constable Eleanor Gill said: “This dangerous act committed by Kawa could have been even worse and it was a miracle no one was seriously injured. Kawa deliberately started a fire and walked away, showing absolutely no regard for the safety of others. The City’s CCTV network enabled us to identify the offender, track his movements and show him committing his crime on camera.”
Gill added: “We’re committed to working with and protecting local businesses and supporting those affected by crime during our enquiries to quickly identify suspects and bring them to justice.”
