A DRUG addict whose carelessly discarded match started a fire that endangered the lives of eight people and wrecked a gift shop in a Kent city, has been jailed for three and half years.

Canterbury Crown Court heard that James Marsh, 25, broke into the Magpies Nest in Palace Street, Canterbury, in November. He was looking for money for drugs.

He made off with the till contents, but his fag end had started the blaze from which six people in the flat above and a couple on the next floor had to be rescued by firefighters.

None of the shop stock was salvagable and losses were between £25,000 and £30,000. Damage to property in the first flat was about £750 and £500 to the flat above.

Marsh was arrested after breaking into Little Italy restaurant on the High Street and taking £1,200. He was linked to the Magpies Nest by a footprint.

Marsh, of Craddock House, Craddock Road, Canterbury, admitted arson being reckless whether life was endangered and burglary with eight further matters considered.

Jailing Marsh, Judge Timothy Nash said: "You have devastated the lives of those people who ran the Magpies Nest. Prison is inevitable."