A "neighbour from hell" was jailed for three years yesterday after being caught by a security camera trying to start a fire next door.

Ex-soldier Trevor Bunce, who "made a misery" of the lives of the elderly neighbouring couple, was filmed using paint thinner to set light to their front door in the early hours.

Durham Crown Court heard that he left, but the fire failed to take hold. By the time he returned five minutes later, it was out.

The court was told the camera was fitted by police in March after the couple complained of a series of mystery vandal attacks, mostly on their car, but also to their house.

Jamie Hill, prosecuting, said the arson attack took place on the night after the camera was installed.

Examination of the footage led to the arrest of Bunce, who made initial denials.

But he subsequently told officers that he had fallen out with his neighbours, in Eden Terrace, Chilton, County Durham, three-and-a-half years previously after they complained about him playing loud music into the early hours.

He claimed that the couple had then kept him awake by jumping up and down in their room.

Judge Les Spittle, who presided over Bunce's trial in November, said this claim was "frankly inconceivable".

Bunce, 33, was convicted of arson being reckless as to whether life was endangered and a harassment charge after the three-day trial, at Teesside Crown Court, in November and the case was adjourned for reports.

Jim Withyman, mitigating, told yesterday's hearing the reports suggested Bunce did not suffer any form of mental illness, but had a possible personality disorder.

Jailing Bunce, Judge Spittle said: "As far as this couple was concerned you were the neighbour from hell, because you were making their lives a misery for a substantial period of time."

The judge also imposed a restraining order prohibiting Bunce from contacting the couple or entering Chilton.