A SPURNED man who torched his ex-partner's home after finding her new boyfriend sitting on the settee has been jailed for 18 months.

Burnley Crown Court heard how a 'menage a trois' was the cause of Gordon Monk's upset and had made him "crack."

He had been humiliated after finding out how long-term girlfriend Victoria Chatburn had spent the night before with her other man although she was still living with the defendant.

Monk, who also smashed crockery in her home, was told by Judge David Pirie he had created an obvious risk to her neighbours and for that reason it had to be custody.

The judge added he was quite satisfied the defendant had offended while considerably distressed and was not regarded as a danger to the public.

Monk, of Salthill Road, Clitheroe, had earlier admitted arson being reckless as to whether life was endangered and damage.

Jonathan Dickinson, prosecuting, said the defendant and Miss Chatburn had lived together at Hayhurst Street, Clitheroe, but the relationship soured and she had been seeing an old friend who had returned from America. Monk continued to live with Miss Chatburn but last August, she told him she wanted to separate.

That evening Miss Chatburn and her new boyfriend went to the pub after the defendant went to the house and it was clear he had been drinking.

Monk turned up at the pub, was asked to leave and made his way back to Hayhurst Street. He then started a blaze at the foot of the stairs by igniting a 'throw' and left.

Mr Dickinson said neighbours alerted the fire service after spotting smoke and evacuated their home.

Monk, who had earlier threatened to set fire to Miss Chatburn's house, also smashed a satellite television receiver box.

Robert Crawford, defending, said it was tragic to see Monk before a criminal court. He had lived a blameless life since a teenager, had always been hardworking and was well thought of by employers.

Monk now worked at a food processing plant in Settle and had played a central role in the battle against foot and mouth disease in the area.

The cause of his behaviour was a 'menage a trois'. Monk had been living with Miss Chatburn, she had started an affair and he thought it was over.