Daniel Streeton is on trial at Maidstone Crown Court

by Julia Roberts

A chronic drinker allegedly started a blaze at his parents' home after he was told there was no more alcohol for him to drink, a court heard.

Daniel Streeton was said to have acted out of anger and frustration when he allededly used his cigarette lighter to set fire to a pair of curtains in an annexe of the property in Winchester Road, Tonbridge.

In the house at the time were his girlfriend, Anita Jenner, his mother Kim Streeton and stepfather Patrick Streeton.

A jury at Maidstone Crown Court heard that as fire crews put out the flames, the 26-year-old was overheard to say: "I have done it now. I am going to go away for life."

"i have done it now. i am going to go away for life...” – what daniel streeton allegedly said after fire

Streeton denies arson being reckless as to whether life was endangered during the early hours of August 1 last year.

Having refused a solicitor following his arrest, he told police he did not know whether or not he started the fire or made the alleged comments.

The court was told Streeton has a previous conviction for arson in 2006 after setting fire to a sofa at the same property following a row with his mother.

At the time of the fire last year, Streeton's alcohol abuse was considered such a problem that it was deemed medically dangerous for him not to drink.

Brian Reece, prosecuting, explained Streeton had been "grappling" with his problem for some time and was at risk of seizures if he withdrew completely.

Therefore his mother, in agreement with medical experts, regulated the amount of alcohol he was given.

"She had to ensure there was a supply of vodka for him to drink but she kept it diluted," added the prosecutor. "He was drinking up to two litres a day."

On the day leading up to the fire, Streeton was said to have had a "huge" amount of alcohol.

He was asleep on the sofa with a bottle between his legs when his girlfriend returned home at 5pm.

She told the court Mrs Streeton gave the diluted alcohol to her son in Lucozade bottles.

"When he woke he wanted more (to drink) and went next door to his mother to ask for more," said Mr Reece.

"The time came when more was not provided because there was no more. He was angry and frustrated and in that frame of mind he did what he did."

The jury was told that as the fire was being extinguished Streeton, who also smoked at least 25 roll-ups a day, asked his mother for a cigarette.

Mr Reece said she told him: "You must be joking after what you have just done", to which Streeton allegedly replied: "Well, what's done is done."

The trial continues.