A MAN who set fire to bedding after trashing his room in the hostel where he was staying has been given a conditional discharge by magistrates.

Lee Phillipson had served more than two months behind bars on remand since he was arrested after starting the blaze on September 6.

But magistrates who could have jailed him for up to four months decided the offence was not serious enough to merit custody and discharged him on the condition he does not re-offend for the next 18 months.

Rhys Davies, prosecuting, told the court how the 33-year-old had returned to Culvery Court drunk on the night of the offence and had been told by staff to go for a walk outside to sober up.

He seemed in good spirits but when he returned was involved in a fracas in the TV room and was again sent out to cool off.

However when he entered for a third time he became aggressive towards staff and the police were called to deal with him.

Phillipson was aggressive towards them and slammed the door to his room and refused to let anybody in.

Mr Davies said: "He was shouting and swearing and there was banging and crashing of glass and a little bit later the fire alarm was activated.

"The police couldn't get in and by this time colleagues in full riot clothing arrived.

"Before they managed to gain entry by forcing the door it opened suddenly. He was aggressive and there was smoke in the room.

"CS spray had to be used to subdue him and he was subsequently detained.

"The room had been trashed and the mattress and bedding showed signs of fire, though it had been extinguished."

Phillipson admitted charges of arson and criminal damage.

A charge of arson with intent to endanger life was dismissed.

Andrew Hobson, defending, said his client accepted that he suffered from a drink problem at the time of the offences and was concerned about being thrown out of the room at Culvery Court.