Gateshead arsonist behind bars over £1,500 fire at his home

The blaze at Jonathon Ridley's flat was discovered after neighbours heard shouting about a "house on fire" and they contacted the emergency services.

Newcastle Crown Court heard when the fire officers arrived Ridley was still inside his property in Mardale Gardens, Gateshead, and unwilling to leave.

Prosecutor Neil Pallister said: "The fire crew had to force entry into the property through the front door, which was difficult as items had been pushed up against the door."

Mr Pallister said the fire, which was behind the front door, was extinguished quickly and a picture from the scene shows the scorch marks that were left.

The court heard a total of £1,485 damage was caused to Ridley's flat, which was in a block of four.Mr Pallister said the occupants of the other flats in the block were at home at the time of the blaze.

Ridley, 34 of Mardale Gardens, Gateshead, who has a criminal record, admitted arson being reckless to whether life would be endangered.

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Recorder Jason Pitter KC sentenced him to 33 months behind bars and said the fire posed a "danger to the wider public".

Rachel Hedworth, defending, said Ridley has a troubled background, mental and physical health problems and has sought solace in drugs and alcohol.