A MAN vented his anger over comments made by a neighbour about his 12-year-old daughter's physical development by smashing windows of three cars belonging to the man.

Blackburn magistrates heard that a fire was also started in one of the vehicles but defence solicitor Kevin Preston said the arson had been reckless rather than deliberate.

Roger Dewhurst, 30, of Leicester Road, Blackburn, pleaded guilty to arson and two charges of criminal damage.

He was ordered to do 100 hours community punishment and pay £350 compensation.

Julie Reilly, prosecuting, said David Drinkwater lived in Leicester Road close to his parents' home and had left two cars outside their home together with his dad's Volvo, which he had been working on.

He was wakened at 2am by his mum who said his dad's car was on fire. Mr Drinkwater threw buckets of water on the fire.

He was talking to his dad when they saw Dewhurst walking past.

He asked what was going on and who had done it. Mr Drinkwater and his family went inside and shortly after heard Dewhurst shouting and then two loud smashes.

They called the police and later found that the two other cars had been damaged.

Mr Preston said the comments made about Dewhursts' daughter were at the centre of the incident.

"He found the comments distasteful to say the least," said Mr Preston.

"When he dwelt on them in private and, on this occasion, in a public house he lost his temper."

He said Dewhurst accepted smashing all the windows but said the arson was not a deliberate act.

He said Dewhurst had lit a cigarette using a petrol lighter which slipped from his hand and fell into the car.