AN arsonist spared prison after he set fire to his own home was jailed for two-and-a-half years yesterday after failing to comply with a judge's order.

John Vaughan, 45, was sentenced to a two-year community rehabilitation in July this year after he admitted setting fire to his bedroom in a block of flats. But after continuing to abuse alcohol and failing to meet the terms of the order, he was sent back to Newcastle Crown Court to be re-sentenced.

The court heard how Vaughan caused £1,500 worth of damage at St Agatha's Close, Brandon, near Durham on March 1.

He even drilled holes in his ceiling allowing smoke into the flat above and then told police it was "something to do".

At an earlier hearing the court was told Vaughan started the blaze as a bizarre revenge attack on his neighbour.

However, defence barrister Rachel Hedworth told the court that a suicide attempt was the most likely explanation.

The court heard Vaughan was persuaded to leave his burning home when his neighbour spotted the smoke.

Miss Hedworth said: "He is a man who needs help, not punishment."

After hearing that Vaughan has a tendency to abuse alcohol, which makes him "difficult to control", Judge Tony Lancaster jailed him.

"On every assessment you represent a high risk to the public at large because of your impulsiveness, and there is a very high risk you will offend again," he said.

Vaughan, who has a history of mental health problems, pleaded guilty to arson.