Firebug’s drink and drug binge

Dean Manifold was told by magistrates that he could have gone to jail for setting fire to Sarah North’s Peugeot outside her home in Laurel Drive, Batley.

Manifold, 37, consumed a cocktail of drink and drugs over three days after he heard news that a known paedophile had moved into the area, bringing back bad memories for him.

Ms North woke up on the morning of September 5 to find the fire brigade dousing her flaming car, Kathryn Walker, prosecuting, said.

Manifold was later arrested, but could not remember starting the fire. He was later reminded by friends that he had placed a flaming bin bag next to the car, setting it alight.

At the time of the offence, Manifold lived in School Crescent, Dewsbury Moor, but has since moved to his girlfriend’s house in Laurel Drive, not far from Ms North’s home.

In a statement read by Mrs Walker at Batley and Dewsbury Magistrates’ Court, Ms North said: “I am not sleeping as I am scared of what might happen and concerned for the safety of myself and my eight month old daughter.”

Reg Le Pla, mitigating, said: “Manifold has nothing whatsoever against this lady that lives at this particular house and he is horrified.

“He is mortified that he is, in fact, causing so much difficulty to this lady as explained through the statement she has made.”

Manifold pleaded guilty to arson at an earlier hearing.

Magistrate Christine Clayborough said the offence was so serious that a custodial sentence could have been imposed.

Manifold will be subject to 12 months supervision and must complete a six month alcohol treatment programme.

He must pay £85 costs and £150 compensation to cover Ms North’s insurance excess.

He will be subject to a restraining order preventing him from having any contact with Ms North, and he must not go within 100 yards of her home.