A dangerous arsonist who “enjoys” lighting fires was jailed for two years and eight months for starting a blaze at his grandparents’ home.

Jason Baldwin smashed up the house in Brassey Terrace, East Bowling, Bradford, before piling up to 12 firelighters in the bath and setting them alight.

His grandmother, Mareline Bolton, who suffers from breathing difficulties, collapsed from shock when she arrived home, Bradford Crown Court heard yesterday.

Baldwin, 22, pleaded guilty to arson on March 28 this year.

He told his probation officer and a psychiatrist he had started fires when he was younger. The court heard he had lit his mattress and clothes.

Baldwin said: “I get comfort from setting fire. I love fire. It always makes me feel better.”

Prosecutor John Topham said Baldwin’s brother, John, saw black smoke seeping under the bathroom door. He forced his way in and found flames up to two feet high and Baldwin lying on the floor with his eyes shut.

His brother dragged him to safety and threw a bowl of water on the fire to douse it.

Baldwin, who told police he was “wasted” after downing two bottles of wine, was abusive and aggressive and had to be restrained by firefighters.

He threw recycled rubbish on top of his grandmother as she lay on the floor, Mr Topham said.

Baldwin’s solicitor advocate, Anne-Marie Hutton, said he did not intend to hurt anyone and had no previous convictions for arson.

It was obstructive, attention-seeking behaviour and his time in custody had changed his attitude, the court heard.

“He needed someone to put the brakes on for him and that is exactly what has happened,” Miss Hutton said.

Judge Jonathan Rose told Baldwin: “I believe that you remain a high risk to the public from offences of arson.”

Baldwin had started the blaze soon after his grandfather, David Bolton, had been released from hospital following cancer treatment. His grandmother was poorly with obstructive pulmonary disease.

Baldwin used firelighters to ensure the fire would “hold and burn”, throwing the toilet cistern he had smashed into the bath.

His behaviour was callous and he told the police he did not care what he had done, the court heard.