AN arsonist was told that his drunken antics could have caused a "horrendous" blaze in a 12-storey block of Derby flats.
The warning came after city magistrates heard that jobless Richard Highman posted burning paper through the letterbox of a fellow tenant of Rivermead House on Bass Street.
Highman and the other man, who has mobility problems, were drinkers who often loaned money to each other, said Chris Evans, in mitigation.
When the man refused to hand over cash, Highman sent him two notes asking: "Why are you not doing it this time?"
Mr Evans said: "The third was more stroppy, saying 'why are you not helping?' Even then it was signed 'love, Ricky'."
A final note was lit and caused minor damage to the letterbox before going out.
Highman could not recall doing this but Mr Evans said: "He does see it as a reckless act whilst drunk. He can't understand why he would have done it. He said he had no intention of causing any harm or danger."
The incident took place on November 26.
Highman, 50, admitted arson and was given a 13-week prison sentence, suspended for two years. He was put on probation and must wear an electronic tag to ensure he obeys a curfew for three months at his father's home in Ford Lane, Allestree.
Presiding magistrate Philip Hickson told him: "Think of the other house fires which have taken place in this city.
"Think what the consequences might be in this 12-storey block of flats. If it had caught light, we dread to think what the consequences might have been.
"It might have been horrendous," added Mr Hickson, who was sitting with two other magistrates.
Highman must pay £85 prosecution costs, a £80 government surcharge and attend a course to improve his thinking.
Peter Bettany, prosecuting, described the victim as "a particularly vulnerable person who has medical problems which effectively limit his mobility".
He lived in the flat immediately below Highman's apartment and contacted a housing support worker to report problems between them.
"He said he had put lit paper through but didn't want the police involved. But they were and the fire service came too.
"There was ash in the letterbox and on the floor inside the flat. Other papers were left at the scene and the defendant's fingerprints were found on the back," said Mr Bettany.
There was no claim towards the cost of repairs because the only damage was "a singed letterbox", he told magistrates.
The court was told that Highman risked eviction from the flats. But the owners were expected to be awaiting the outcome of the case before making a decision.
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