A Carlisle man has been jailed for setting fire to a city flat.
At Carlisle Crown court today, James McGlinchey, 61, of Denton Street, was sentenced to six years for arson while being reckless as to whether life was endangered.
The court heard on September 22 last year, police were were called to a concern for welfare at a flat on Denton Street.
Officers attended and Cumbria Fire and Rescue Service were already at the scene to a large fire at the property.
McGlinchey was already out of the property at another address and was being treated by North West Ambulance Service.
He was arrested after making several comments including ‘Can’t believe I set fire to my own flat’.
After sentencing, Temporary Detective Constable Anna Pickthall said McGlinchey made significant comments at the scene about being responsible for the fire.
She added: “Investigations found that McGlinchey had purchased diesel the night before the fire before pouring the accelerant around his flat and setting it alight.
“His actions could have had fatal consequences and luckily no one was injured and the surrounding flats were evacuated.”
