A MAN pushed lighted paper through the letterbox at his his ex-girlfriend's home in a desperate attempt to speak to her on his birthday.

Scott McNaboe also broke a window at the York Terrace address in Blackburn in his bid to talk with the woman and patch things up.

He was sent to prison for 15 months by Judge Charles Mahon at Preston Crown Court who described the case as a clear example of domestic violence.

McNaboe, 24, of Livesey Branch Road, Blackburn, had pleaded guilty to arson, being reckless as to whether life would be endangered and also criminal damage. The offences occurred on August 20 last year -- his birthday

Henry Blackshaw, prosecuting, said the defendant and Adele Timmins had lived together at her house for around 18 months. Five days earlier they split up and McNaboe apparently tried for a reconciliation.

It was shortly after 5am on August 20 that the woman saw McNaboe across the road. A short time later she heard the doorbell ringing, followed by several loud bangs and shouting.

Mr Blackshaw said: "She heard the rustle of paper being put through the letterbox and then began to smell burning. It caused damage the door."

Adele Timmins did not respond to that. A couple of minutes later she heard a noise outside a bedroom window. It turned out the defendant had forced open a small window. This was followed by a loud smash. Glass was all over the bedroom floor. McNaboe's fingerprints were found at the scene, on a window frame and the remains of paper.

Bob Elias, defending, said McNaboe had been to the house in to try and patch things up with the woman. They had a young son and the defendant was keen to keep the relationship going. The relationship was breaking down at the time. She would not go to the door.

Mr Elias explained: "He decided he would bring a response from her with two little bits of paper through the letterbox. They were stamped out at once by her.

"He wanted to get her attention and no more than that. It was a pathetic gesture to force her to the door. Even in that he failed." The relationship was now completely over.