A SERIAL arsonist branded a danger to the public by a judge has been given a ten year extended sentence.

Glenn Sheekey’s sentence includes a six year jail term and he will be on prison licence for the remainder.

Sheekey was living in a property in Middlesbrough shared by eight people when he used a lighter to set fire to his mattress in the early hours of May 30 this year.

The subsequent fire was so fierce it burnt through the wall of an adjoining bedroom. Five people were evacuated as a result of the blaze, which caused £10,000 damage.

Sheekey, 46, of Borough Road, Middlesbrough, admitted arson, being reckless as to whether life was endangered.

He had previously been convicted of arson in similar circumstances in 2012 when he received a three year jail sentence.

Prosecutor, Rachel Masters told Teesside Crown Court that after starting the blaze, Sheekey walked into a nearby hostel and told staff his actions were a cry for help and he was being bullied.

Four fire engines were present at the scene of the fire with breathing apparatus also being used by firefighters.

The court heard how the fire could have been much worse had it not been for a fire door in the corridor outside which prevented it from spreading further.

Sheekey, who has 117 offences resulting in 43 criminal convictions, was described by the author of a probation report as posing a substantial risk of serious harm to the public.

Duncan Mochrie, for the defendant, said his most powerful mitigation was his early guilty plea.

He said: “He has engaged well with the probation service, but he struggles with various issues.”

Judge Sean Morris said it was worrying that doctors who assessed Sheekey as to his mental health could find nothing wrong with him.

He said he had considered imposing a life sentence on the defendant, but was satisfied an extended sentence would provide adequate safeguards for the public.

The judge told Sheekey: “I do regard you as dangerous…because of your record and the fact this is your second [arson] offence for no good reason.

“If you commit any further offences like this you will go away for life and I will mean life.”