A MAN who spent two weeks in a coma after a fireball attack on his doorstep spoke last night of the terrifying moment he thought he was going to die.

Michael Webb suffered severe burns when he was doused in petrol and a blaze was started at his home by Tony Austwicke last summer.

The 39-year-old suffered burns to his arms, back, neck and shoulder, needed skin grafts and suffers severe psychological problems as a result.

He has since had the little finger and part of the ring finger on his right hand amputated Austwicke was yesterday locked up indefinitely after a Teesside Crown Court judge ruled that he was a significant danger to the public.

Judge Peter Bowers told the 35-year-old: “This is one of the most hideous offences of its nature that I have had the misfortune to deal with.”

The court heard how the attack happened after Mr Webb and his partner, Stephanie Bates, 34, argued with some of their neighbours.

The couple were regarded as troublemakers in Annandale Crescent, Hartlepool, and they both appeared to be intoxicated that day.

Austwicke was part of a group that had argued with them, and he had been drinking since finishing work, said David Brooke, prosecuting.

Mr Webb threatened to petrol bomb the neighbours, said Mr Brooke, but it was Austwicke who struck in the early hours of August 4.

“At about two o’clock, a hooded figure was seen running across to Mr Webb carrying a petrol can,” he said. “It was shaken over him so it covered him.

“The hooded figure then poured it on the front door and lit it. The effect of lighting the front door meant Mr Webb also went up in flames.

“He ran upstairs and rolled on the bed trying to put it out.

Neighbours saw the hooded man turn and raise his arms in a victory gesture and say ‘yeah’.”

Firefighters battled their way into the house – where temperatures reached 200C and plastic fittings melted – and rescued Mr Webb.

Miss Bates said: “When I got to hospital I got the shock of my life. I never want to see anything like that again. All I could see of his face were his eyes.”

Mr Webb said: “I tried to put the flames out by rolling about on the bed, but it wasn’t working, so I just laid down and gave up.

“I have no hatred towards him. I just can’t understand why he did what he did.”

Austwicke, of Ridlington Way, Hartlepool, admitted causing grievous bodily harm with intent and arson being reckless whether life was endangered.

He was told by Judge Bowers that he can seek parole in six years, but will be released only when experts deem he is no longer a danger.

John Gillette, mitigating, said Austwicke was remorseful, understands the harm he had caused, but had no idea the consequences would be so grave.