An arsonist who started a fire at Maidstone Crown Court because he was angry his Jobseeker’s Allowance had been stopped has walked free.

Noel Hiles torched a letterbox after pouring petrol from a plastic bottle into it at the front of the court building in Barker Road at 5am on April Fools Day last year, causing a “fireball”.

The flames did not spread because there was no mail in the letterbox at the time and damage was limited to £200.

The 54-year-old, who has a masters degree in science and information technology, was caught on CCTV cameras and identified from his Vauxhall Corsa car registration as he drove off.

He was arrested 10 days later and charged.

Hiles, of Sutton Road, Maidstone, admitted arson when he appeared at Maidstone Magistrates’ Court in October and was committed to Crown Court for sentence.

Today, he was sentenced to four months imprisonment suspended for a year and will have to complete a 40-day activity requirement.

CCTV footage showed Hiles, who previously worked as a support engineer for the charity Diabetes UK, pouring in the petrol and then leaping back as the fire flared.

He told a psychiatric nurse he did it because he was angry his benefits claims had been stopped and he wanted people “to take notice”.

The court heard Hiles had two cautions for criminal damage, smashing windows at Kent Police headquarters.

"Arson is always regarded as a serious offence due to the possible consequences, even if not intended" - Judge Richard Polden

A probation officer told Judge Richard Polden the purpose of an activity requirement would be to monitor Hiles’ mental health.

“When his mental health deteriorates and he is unable to resolve matters appropriately his risk escalates and he represents a threat,” he said.

“Arson can have potentially catastrophic consequences - not intended, I would say with regard to Mr Hiles.”

Judge Polden told Hiles: “You made it clear you acted in the way you did because you had received a letter from the DWP stating there was going to be a cancellation of Jobseeker’s Benefit and you hadn’t complied with the annual verification form.

“You said you wanted to draw attention to your plight. You said you were aware the fire would not spread and it was not your intention.

“It appears you burnt your face and hands during the fireball that resulted.”

The judge added: “Arson is always regarded as a serious offence due to the possible consequences, even if not intended. It is also to deter others from committing this type of offence.

“There was an element of revenge. The nature of the court building has to be taken into account. It is a public building. Your act was clearly premeditated.

“It is clear you are an intelligent person. You have suffered from mental health difficulties. You perceived yourself as being subjected to military surveillance.

“A report from a psychiatrist makes it clear you are not currently suffering from a mental health disorder.”

Prosecutor Brian Reece asked for confiscation of Hiles’ car to pay for its storage for the past 10 months, but the judge refused on the basis it might harm his future employment prospects.