A MAN deliberately set fire to one of Blackpool's biggest amusement arcades after becoming depressed over splitting up with his fiancee, a court was told.

Simon Hilliard then immediately phoned the fire brigade and police to tell them what he had done.

Hilliard, 36, of St Peter Street, Blackburn admitted arson at Mr T's amusement centre on Blackpool's Golden Mile.

He was bailed to February 18 by Blackpool magistrates for pre-sentence reports.

Pauline Newrick, prosecuting, said on November 3 at 3pm the defendant went into the amusement complex with a full bottle of white spirits, a lighter and bag of clothes.

The prosecutor said: "After checking the toilets were empty, he put clothing round a toilet. He then emptied the whole bottle of spirits on to the clothing and set it alight.

"After checking the fire had taken hold, he left the arcade and went straight to a nearby public phone and called the police."

The fire caused smoke damage to the toilets and damage to fixtures and fittings. The cost of the damage amounted to £800.

The prosecutor added: "When interviewed he told police he had become depressed following the split from his fiancee. He said because of that and various health problems." Steven Duffy, defending, said at the time his client's fiancee was living in Blackpool.

The couple fell out and Hilliard believed the relationship was over.

Hilliard suffered from Tourettes Syndrome which caused him to suffer from ticks and jerks.

He also had obsessive compulsive behaviour disorder.

Mr Duffy added: "At the time of the offence he was also having difficulties with his medication.

"In a disordered thought pattern he believed it would be best to get arrested and go to a prison medical wing."