A teenager has been given two-and-a-half years detention after he killed a man who died in a fire after youths put a firework through his door.

Arthur Lonsdale, 52, died two days after the fire in Westerham Close, Sunderland, in October last year.

The 16-year-old, who cannot be named for legal reasons, pleaded guilty to manslaughter in July.

He admitted the charge on the basis that although he was present, he did not light the rocket or push it in.

The youth was part of a gang that played the "prank" on Mr Lonsdale.

At Newcastle Crown Court, Judge David Hodson told him: "You were part of a group that fired this rocket through the cat flap.

"As a result there was a fire and as a consequence of that fire, Mr Lonsdale died.

"I recognise you were not the one that fired the rocket and I am only too aware that there are others who are equally if not more culpable than you, and who will go unpunished.

"It is a matter of regret that they have not been brought to justice.

"But there has been a death, it is only in the most exceptional cases that there can be anything other than a term of custody."

Paul Sloan QC, defending, said "unscrupulous adults" were selling fireworks to youngsters in the area.

He said his client, who was educationally below average, was eager to please his peers.

Mr Sloan said: "Given those personality traits, it is not surprising he went along with what he simply thought was a prank."

He said the boy was distraught at the result and had tried to get into the house to rescue Mr Lonsdale.