A YOUTH who torched his rented flat saved himself from custody because he went back and tackled the blaze.

Mark Brassington, 18, who had been smashing up furniture during a row, was on the roof when police arrived and found smoke bellowing from the premises on Queen Street, Great Harwood.

He was later found covered from top to toe in blood, Burnley Crown Court heard.

Brassington, whose landlord was a fireman, was told by a judge that people who did what he did normally went to prison, but he had done his best to put the fire out when he realised what he had done.

He had no previous convictions and it would be a little harsh to put him behind bars.

Judge Raymond Bennett said it was fortunate for him and for the people next door that he went back and tackled the fire.

The defendant, of Monk Street, Accrington, admitted arson and was put on probation for two years.

John 0'Shea, prosecuting, said the defendant and his girlfriend were at the flat and both had had a considerable amount to drink.

They had earlier bought two three litre bottles of cider, rowed and furniture had been damaged.

Brassington set fire to the stereo, jumped on it to stamp it out and then he began to light pieces of paper, threw them onto the floor and said he was going to burn the place down.

The girlfriend left the flat, as again Brassington set fire to the stereo and he then followed her out as she flagged down a police car.

Officers found smoke bellowing from the flat, police had to force open the door and found the defendant on the roof.

The fire brigade was called and the defendant was helped down by police.

Mr O'Shea said the defendant was aggressive and his behaviour was somewhat bizarre.

He had to be restrained and put in the police van and, at some stage, tried to cut his throat with a piece of glass.

After he received hospital treatment as he was covered from head to toe in blood, he was taken to the police station and interviewed.