A MAN who lost a leg after being set alight as he slept told today how his former friend, who started the fire, even took pictures of him as he burned.

Craig Finn was in a coma for a month and suffered third degree burns to his legs and back after the prank went wrong at his flat in Spennymoor, County Durham.

He had to have his left leg amputated below the knee, and underwent reconstructive surgery on his right ankle.

The Northern Echo: Dated: 17/08/2015 Craig Finn, 25, who suffered horrific injuries and had to have his left leg amputated after allegedly being set on fire while he slept on the bathroom floor at his home in Seaham, County Durham in February 2014. TODAY (MON 17/08), tw
SEVERE INJURIES: Craig Finn picture in hospital 

Durham Crown Court heard today how James George Gillibrand used accelerant to set light to Mr Finn's clothes after the victim had fallen asleep, having been drinking with the small group of friends invited to his new flat on February 2 last year.

The blaze, started as a joke, spread and left Mr Finn, 25, critically ill in Newcastle’s Royal Victoria Infirmary.

Gillibrand today pleaded guilty to arson being reckless as to whether life was endangered and inflicting grievous bodily harm on Mr Finn.

Judge John Milford remanded him in custody and warned him that he will face an inevitable prison term when he is sentenced in October.

Speaking after the hearing, Mr Finn said: “I’m glad he (Gillibrand) got remanded."

“I would like him to get as much as possible,” he added, when asked about the ultimate sentence to be passed.

“He even took pictures of me while I was burning.

“I invited them over because he hadn’t been getting out much.

“But, I’ve not spoken to him since.”

Asked about his permanent injuries, he said: “It gets me down sometimes. But you have got to get on with it.”

Mr Finn is still receiving regular treatment at Newcastle’s Freeman Hospital, where, once his remaining leg tissue is stronger, he hopes to have a permanent prosthetic lower leg fitted beneath his left knee.

Gillibrand had been due to go on trial today, but following discussion between prosecution and defence lawyers, Crown counsel Richard Bennett said the slightly more serious charges of arson with intent to endanger life and causing grievous bodily harm with intent, would not be pursued.

Instead, the prosecution accepted Gillibrand’s ‘guilty’ pleas to arson being reckless as to whether life was endangered and inflicting grievous bodily harm.

Sentence was adjourned to allow for preparation of background reports on the defendant.

The Northern Echo: Craig Finn in hospital being treated for his injuries

Despite pleas by his barrister, Barry Robson, that he should be allowed to remain on bail until sentence, “to put his affairs in order”, 25-year-old Gillibrand, of Wesley Way, in Seaham, County Durham, was remanded in custody by the judge.

He told Gillibrand: “Given the gravity of the injury there can be no argument for anything other than a sentence which will deprive you of your liberty.

“I can see no merit in granting you bail whatever. You may as well get on serving the sentence now.

“Each day will count in due course.”

Following the prosecution review, formal ‘not guilty’ verdicts were recorded in the case of co-accused David William Lewis, 33, of Nelson Street, Seaham, who denied all four charges.

He was, therefore, discharged by the judge.

Judge Milford asked for an up-dated medical report and victim statement from Mr Finn, prior to the sentencing hearing for Gillibrand, at the court on Thursday October 8.