A man set fire to his own bedroom in an attempt to get a council house. John Hodson, 36, of Stanford Walk, Netherton, Peterborough , set fire to the mattress in his room with a lighter at 7.30am on April 15.

The fire quickly got out of control and a lodger threw a bucket of water over it, but realised the fire service was needed. The room filled with thick smoke and Hodson’s dad was coughing when he opened the door.

A 999 call was made to the fire service. No one was injured. The room was covered in soot and ash and sustained fire damage to the floor, walls, and furniture.

Hodson pleaded guilty to arson with recklessness as to whether life was endangered at Peterborough Crown Court on Thursday, September 4. He was sentenced to two years and nine months in prison.

DC Robert Wallis sai

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