Eco-arsonists 'using loophole to avoid big jail term'

Eco-activists blamed for fires that destroyed three environmentally friendly millionaires-row homes and damaged two others may have used only simple materials to exploit a legal loophole and avoid a huge jail sentence, it was claimed today.

Although officials did not rule out the use of accelerants to start the fires, FBI agent Dave Gomez said those responsible might have chosen not to use any incendiary devices, just “available combustibles” such as paper or wood, to avoid long sentences if they ever stood trial.