Ukrainian man denies role in Starmer arson plot, court hears

During his testimony, Pochynok’s evidence was halted by the judge who expressed concerns about the accuracy of the translation. The court indicated he would resume giving evidence on May 26, 2026.

After the final fire, an online account described as 'El Money' messaged Lavrynovych offering payment in exchange for leaving the city, according to court testimony.

Another fire was discovered at the front entrance to Sir Keir Starmer's Kentish Town home, the same street where the car had been set alight. Lavrynovych is accused of starting this fire as part of the alleged conspiracy.

Three days after the car fire, a fire was discovered at flats in Islington where Sir Keir Starmer had previously lived. Lavrynovych is accused of starting all three fires in the period covered by the investigation.

Petro Pochynok told jurors, through a translator, that he went to a street in Kentish Town in the early hours of 8 May 2025 at the invitation of his friend Stanislav Carpiuc to help an associate, Lavrynovych, with some 'heavy suitcases'. He said Lavrynovych only had a rucksack and was preoccupied with money; he felt deceived and says he did not agree to participate in an arson plan. Lavrynovych later set alight the Toyota car, which had been linked to Sir Keir Starmer, and Pochynok filmed a brief video of the moment before fleeing the scene.