A MAN who started a fire in a friend’s home “for a laugh” had already been in prison for two other arsons, a court was told.

Brent West, 26, was described by a judge as a dangerous offender.

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The court heard that West set four fires at the terraced property in Darwen, badly damaging most of the ground floor and causing neighbours to fear for their life.

When he appeared before Preston Crown Court yesterday, the defendant — of Princess Street, Haslingden — pleaded guilty to arson being reckless as to whether life was endangered.

He was sentenced to four years in prison with an extended period of two years on licence.

Prosecuting, Mercedeh Jabbari said West had been out drinking with victim Sean Twomey and family members at the Prince of Wales pub, in Quaker Lane, Darwen, when he decided to leave. West went to Mr Twomey’s house, in Lightbown Street.

Mr Twomey had left the front door shut but not locked, the court heard.

Miss Jabbari said West started one fire in the living room and three other blazes in the kitchen. He had turned on the gas on the stove but there was no connection.

Later, the defendant went to a friend’s house and admitted what he had done.

Miss Jabbari said: “Clearly concerned, she asked the defendant what he had done. His response was ‘I have set his kitchen on fire for a laugh’.”

The house was not insured and the fire caused between £20,000 and £30,000 worth of damage.

The judge was told how West had previous convictions, including arson, and that he had a problem with alcohol, having started drinking at the age of ten.

Defending, Daniel Prowse told the court: “The offence clearly is a very serious one. Thankfully it was a case where nobody suffered serious injury.

“He shows his sincere and genuine remorse. It is very apparent he is a different person sober.”