A MAN who started a fire at his former flat in Darwen after he was evicted has been jailed.
David Frith had returned to collected a bicycle. But in an emotional and upset state, he tossed a cigarette on to a pile of papers in the living room.
A sofa bed then caught fire, resulting in extensive damage to the living room at the Moor Lane property.
Frith, 33, who had admitted arson being reckless whether life would be endangered, was jailed for a total of 21 months.
He had also admitted possession of cocaine and possessing the drug with intent to supply.
The fire was started last October after he was evicted from the premises.
Mark Stephenson, defending, said Frith had found himself in substantial debt to his drug suppliers last year.
On the day of the arson, he was ‘an emotional wreck’ and under the influence of drink and drugs.
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