An arsonist who set fire to his flat following repeated complaints over anti-social behaviour has been jailed.

David Daisley torched the property in Pelham Road South, Northfleet, in March following a year-long dispute with shopkeepers.

The 51 year old denied arson with intent to endanger life but was convicted following a trial at Woolwich Crown Court on Friday.

He also admitted racially aggravated common assault and was sentenced to two years and four months in prison.

The court heard Daisley moved into a flat above a shop in Pelham Road South in January 2018.

Shop workers issued regular complaints about anti-social behaviour and excess noise coming from the property.

The persistent issues led to Daisley’s landlord taking the decision to evict him two months later.

Watch Daisley throw a pole at the shop window

When Daisley was informed of the pending eviction, he racially abused the victim, threw a beer can at their head and threatened to burn down the property.

He later set fire to the curtains inside the flat before jabbing the windows of the shop below with a pole.

He was arrested around an hour after the blaze was reported and charged with the offence while in custody. He has been held on remand since.

Detective Constable Rob Sircar, Kent Police’s investigating officer for the case, said he was pleased the court had issued a "strong custodial sentence".

He said: "Daisley persistently showed a complete disregard for the thoughts and wishes of people going about their lawful daily lives.

"Those who politely asked him to change his ways were met with unacceptable levels of abuse which culminated in him senselessly endangering their lives.

"Such behaviour, which has no justification, shows he is incapable of living in society without being an unacceptable nuisance and danger to the public."

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