A MAN who set light to his former girlfriend's duvet as she cowered behind the wardrobe has been jailed for 18 months.

But because Gary Fisher has already served seven months behind bars, he should be freed in a few weeks' time.

The 36-year-old had gone to the Meadowcroft flat of his then girlfriend Louise LaFrenais in the early hours of Friday July 16 last year.

After smashing the door and going into the flat, he set the bedding alight while his ex dialled 999 as she hid behind the bedroom furniture.

Before the blaze could take hold Fisher put it out and then fled from the premises before the police arrived.

Fisher claimed he must have set light to the duvet cover by accident while he was playing with his lighter.

Despite being cleared by a jury of arson being reckless as to whether life was endangered, a judge said he believed the fire was started deliberately.

Fisher, of Whiteman Street, Gorse Hill, was being sentenced for the less serious charge of arson and criminal damage to the flat's front door. He had admitted both offences before the trial.

The couple had been in a relationship for about 15 months and living together at her home on Addison Crescent for just over a year.

On the night of the offence he had gone round to see her after a night in the pub to talk about their relationship.

When she didn't answer the doorbell he said he forced the door and went into the flat.

Thinking she had gone out he said he sat on her bed and was nervously flicking with his lighter when he started the fire in the bedding. As soon as he realised what had happened he put it out and left.

Fisher was jailed in October 2002 for another assault on a former partner, the court was told.

Chris Smyth, defending, said "There is no question that the fire would ever have been allowed to get out of hand."

He said that his client had been in custody since and said he was reluctant to enter into relationships.

On his release from custody he said his client's mother was prepared to put him up until he got himself on his feet again.

Judge John McNaught said: "I think what you did was a gesture but it was a dangerous thing to do.

"I think you did deliberately caused a fire but you did put it out. It was not the worst kind of arson."

Jailing him for 18 months, Judge Mc-Naught reminded him that while he would be released soon, if he re-offended before the sentence expired he would return to prison.

Jamie Hill