A looter has been sentenced to 11 1/2 years in prison for torching a venerable London furniture store during England's summer riots.
The massive fire at House of Reeves in the Croydon area of south London was one of the most memorable events in nearly a week of rioting that saw street gangs and looters trash shops and vehicles in cities across England.
The 144-year old department store had been run by the same family for five generations.
Gordon Thompson, 34, was sentenced for reckless arson at London's Central Criminal Court.
AP