Blackpool arsonist who stuffed loo rolls into oven at block of flats was found 'laughing' by horrified neighbours

Luke Vaughan, 30, of Lytham Road, Blackpool, claimed to officers he had been trying to dry a wet t-shirt under a grill at his flat, which was in a house of multiple occupancy, after he had consumed Spice and alcohol.

Lisa Worsley, prosecuting, said his actions on October 10 last year had "posed a significant risk of serious physical harm to other residents".

He had been placed at the accommodation on April 1 by the local authority after being asked by his grandma to leave her home due to his behaviour.

She described how one neighbour, Lauren Culshaw, had known him approximately six months and had experienced him trying to set fire to his flat on previous occasions.

She said: " At around 11.50pm she heard the fire alarm.

"She and her brother left her flat and ascertained it was coming from his flat.

"They banged on the door and were told to f*** off."

Preston Crown Court was told the siblings "genuinely feared there was a dangerous fire behind the door".

Fearing for the safety of other residents, and smelling smoke, the siblings bravely used a fire extinguisher as a battering ram,

Ms Worsley added: " They were wet with a wall of black smoke pouring out

" They found the defendant sitting on the couch laughing."

neighbours found toilet roll and newspaper stuffed into the oven.

The door was closed but there was a significant amount of smoke.

One resident opened the oven, grabbed the lit ball of paper and threw it out of a window

They opened the windows but had to leave due to the smoke.

The court heard police were met by three residents from separate flats, and was allowed into the flat by Vaughan.

He noticed he was drunk and slurring his speech.

Ms Worsley added: "The defendant told him he had been putting a T-shirt in the oven and also said he wanted to die

" During his interview he admitted causing fire by putting his T-s shirt in the grill of the oven.

"He accepted suffering depression and said he was alcoholic."

"He denied putting paper in the oven but acknowledged he had been stupid and reckless."

Vaughan pleaded guilty to arson being reckless as to whether life was endangered.

The court heard he had 30 convictions for 41 offences.

Defending, David Bentley said it was "an incredibly difficult sentencing exercise" due to Vaughan's difficulties and traumatic childhood.

He added :" Without question this is a man crying out for as much assistance as he can possibly receive."

He described a history of self harm and A and E attendances and said on many occasions his "cries have gone unheard" because of the strain on resources available.

Imposing a three year jail term, Judge Philip Parry praised the neighbours and said: "The occupants of the flats may have been fast asleep for all you knew.

"They investigated and they discovered the alarm was coming from your flat and she, Lauren, saw black smoke coming from your front door into the communal corridor.

"They were concerned for you, but also for themselves and indeed other residents in the block.

"They are to be commended for what they did."

He said it was a "classic case of rehabilitation versus punishment" but that the matter was too serious to avoid a jail term as several people had been endangered.