A MAN who set fire to his flat to kill himself because his life was "meaningless" has been jailed for three years.

Depressed David Foster ignited the curtains with a lighter at his home in Fairbank Terrace, Girlington, Bradford, at 11pm on May 3.

Foster, 49, was rescued from the smoke-filled flat by a brave neighbour, Bradford Crown Court heard yesterday.

He pleaded guilty to arson, being reckless as to whether life was endangered.

Prosecutor Louise Pryke said there were flats above and on either side of Foster's home.

He told police at the scene: "I started the fire. I wanted to end my life."

Foster's barrister, Richard Gioserano, said it was a very sad case.

His client did not intend to harm anyone but himself.

He had been out of work for decades and was socially isolated. He had no gas or electricity and sought solace in drugs and alcohol.

"He is desperate and believes his life is meaningless," Mr Gioserano said.

Judge Jonathan Rose said Foster had admitted trying to set himself on fire in December last year.

There was a significant risk he would do it again.