A MAN has been sent to prison after torching a car outside his sister’s home.

Daniel Johnstone, had pleaded guilty to arson, criminal damage and witness intimidation.

The court heard that Johnstone had been living with his sister in Leadgate, near Consett, but had started having problems with her new partner.

John Harley, prosecuting, said Johnstone had been arrested on suspicion of affray on September 25 after visiting the house and grabbing a knife.

He was released but the next day returned to the house at around 11.40pm and had shouted that he was going to smash the car of the partner.

Mr Harley said: “He climbed on the bonnet and stamped on the window screen causing it to smash and stamped on roof before climbing down.”

He added that the defendant returned to the house at about 2.10am the following day and appeared in the yard drinking from a bottle of vodka, before damaging two windows and setting the car on fire.

The car, which was valued at £13,000, was written off.

The court heard the incident has had a serious effect on Johnstone’s sister and her 11-year-daughter.

In her victim statement the woman said she was now suffering panic attacks as a result, increased anxiety and felt jumpy around people.

She added that her daughter was angry at her uncle because they had had a close relationship and was showing signs of depression and restlessness.

The statement, which was read to the court, said: “I’m so angry, I gave him everything and feel he’s taken everything from me. I’m afraid in my own home.”

Thomas Laffey, mitigating, said: “The view is that he is a man who has made a terrible mistake which is completely out of character, set against a back drop of problems he was clearly having with his sister’s partner.

“He accepts his response was extremely and completely out of character and he will have to live with that because while his liberty will be restored, what will not be restored is his relationship with his sister and his niece.”

Recorder Ian Atherton said: “You are in a position where I can’t suspend your sentence.

“The offence of arson is just too serious to justify a suspended sentence.”

The 32-year-old appeared at Durham Crown Court via a video link from HMP Durham.

Johnstone was given a 12-month sentence and a ten-year restraining order.