A MAN who set fire to a sleeping party-goer's hair in a prank that ended in horror has failed to win a cut in sentence at London's Appeal Court.

Stephen Pearson, 21, was one of two men who set about shaving David Skelton's eyebrows and dyeing his hair as he lay sleeping in a chair during the party at a house on Washington's Coach Road Estate on March 29.

The party began after the occupants of the house went away for the night and their teenage son decided to entertain his friends.

Another man had placed turpentine on Mr Skelton's hair to bleach it, but the solvent was having no effect so it was suggested that they try to singe his eyebrows, the court heard.

Pearson was handed a cigarette lighter which he placed near Mr Skelton's eyes, intending to singe the eyebrows.

Mr Justice Davis - who said Pearson had no inkling that the turpentine was so combustible - described how a spark from the lighter made contact with the solvent in the victim's hair and burst into flames.

Mr Skelton was immediately doused in water before being rushed to hospital where he needed a facial skin graft.

Pearson has since expressed remorse, the court heard. He had done his utmost to help Mr Skelton, even trying to beat down the flames with his hands before rushing to fetch water.

Pearson, of Longburn Close, Urpeth Grange, Durham, appeared at Durham Crown Court in August, where he admitted inflicting grievous bodily harm. He received a 12-month sentence.

He appealed against the sentence on grounds that it was manifestly excessive, but his case was rejected by Mr Justice Davis, sitting with Mr Justice Gibbs.

The judge said the incident had "gone beyond being a stupid prank".

He said: "What happened by using the lighter was recklessly and indeed wickedly dangerous."