A FORMER Royal Navy serviceman who started a fire in his flat has had his sentence deferred for six months to allow him to seek psychiatric treatment.

Danny Robinson, 34, was suffering from the effects of post traumatic stress disorder when he started a fire in his accommodation in Cockfield, County Durham, on May 27 this year.

He was due to be sentenced at Durham Crown Court on Friday, October 2, but it was deferred for six months to allow him to seek psychiatric help.

The blaze, believed to have begun when a body-warmer was ignited, spread, causing substantial damage to Robinson’s bedroom, but also resulting in accommodation above becoming smoke-logged.

It is understood the resident from the upstairs flat, in Manor Grove, was unable to move back in, due to the smoke damage.

Robinson, who is now living in Pinfold Lane, Butterknowle, admitted a charge of arson, being reckless as to whether life was endangered, at a hearing in June.

Judge Christopher Prince said: “My expectation and hope is that you will commit no further offences. I can’t order you to engage in mental health services, but that’s what I’m expecting and hoping because that’s what I’m looking for when you come back.

“I expect what will happen is you will come back with glowing reports in six months in which case you won’t serve a two-year sentence. If things don’t work out and you don’t engage that’s the sentence and it won’t be suspended.”

He is due to be sentenced on April 1 next year.