A TEENAGER terrified a fellow probation hostel resident by shooting an 18 inch flame under his bedroom door.

Burnley Crown Court heard how homeless Christopher Ingham's victim, Glen Banks, had a number of difficulties and would have been "scared stiff" by Ingham's antics.

Ingham, described by his counsel as hyperactive, and who had been in custody for over six months - almost the equivalent of a 13 month sentence - was put on probation for two years.

Sentencing him, Record Anthony Sander said although Ingham had not had an easy time in life, Mr Banks had a number of disabilities.

He added Ingham's behaviour had been appalling and he had taken advantage of somebody he knew would be scared stiff.

Ingham, 18, of no fixed address, earlier admitted arson in March. John Bailey, prosecuting, said Ingham had kept accusing Mr Banks, a fellow resident at Highfield House, Accrington, of being a "grass". Mr Banks went to bed and heard the defendant outside his door, asking for a cigarette.

He ignored that and Ingham was heard to walk away. About an hour later, Banks saw a flame, about 18 inches long, shoot under the bottom of his door.

An aerosol had been squirted under the door and lit. Mr Banks was terrified and thought somebody was setting fire to his room. Ingham later said he did it "for a laugh."

When he was interviewed after being arrested later, he said he had not been present at all, but had been sitting up all night playing cards.

Paul Hague, defending, said Ingham had had a difficult start in life although no mental condition had been diagnosed, he was hyperactive.

He had a history of behavioural problems and attempts to find him accommodation had been unsuccessful. Ingham had not had contact with his mother for six months and did not want contact.

He had not been involved with his natural father for a long time.

Mr Hague said any offence involving fire and accelerants could have very serious consequences.

"He went on: "This was the sort of prank perhaps many foolish young men might indulge in without giving thought to the possible consequences. The defendant ought not to be set adrift without any control or supervision."

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