A DRUNKEN baby-sitter who torched his house - and forgot about a toddler sleeping inside - has been sent to prison for four-and-a-half years.

Mentally-ill John Francis Hughes, 37, started the blaze in revenge after a row with his wife - and a three-year-old was only saved when their lodger Stephen Wright returned home. Hughes then went to his solicitor, confessed to what he had done and police were alerted, Burnley Crown Court heard.

Judges David Pirie said an "appalling tragedy" was only prevented by Mr Wright's return to the house in Leyland Road, Burnley. Neighbours did not know anybody was inside. Mr Wright had the courage to go inside, and but for that, "terrible consequences" would have followed.

Hughes, of Albert Street, Burnley, admitted arson being reckless as to whether life was endangered last December 22. Kendal Lindley, prosecuting, told the court the defendant and his wife were living together. Mrs Hughes had gone to visit a friend and the defendant and Wright began drinking. When she returned, there was an argument over Hughes drinking so early in the day and Mrs Hughes went out, leaving her husband looking after the little boy, a friend's son.

Mr Wright and Hughes played with the three-year-old on the computer and continued drinking and the boy became tired and fell asleep. When the lodger left the house to go to a chemists, Hughes piled up clothes and furniture, started a fire and left. Neighbours were alerted and tried to break in.

Mr Lindley said Mr Wright broke in using a hammer passed to him by onlookers and rescued the boy who was taken to hospital suffering smoke inhalation. Hughes told police he decided on the fire out of revenge after the row with his wife. He had drink and Temazepan and "forgot" the youngster was in the house.

Richard Bennett, defending, said the defendant was suffering from mental illness, a depressive disorder and alcohol dependency. At the time of the fire, he had been under significant stress. He was anxious to express his remorse and his horror at what might have happened.

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