A DISGRUNTLED Evesham man got drunk and set fire to fish and chip paper in bins near his housing association home after being told he was to be evicted.

Allan Johnson, aged 41, formerly of The Woodlands, Evesham, pleaded guilty to offences including arson and theft at Worcester Magistrates' Court last Friday and, having spent the past eight weeks in custody, was sentenced to an 18-month community rehabilitation order.

Helen Harmeston, prosecuting, said: "Johnson admitted responsibility for the fire, saying he had received an eviction notice and other personal problems meant he drank heavily and when he left his house for the last time he set fire to some fish and chip paper in the bin."

The fire on August 31 caused £350 of damage. He also admitted receiving a stolen television and stereo system in June, stealing £30 worth of food from Tesco, Evesham, in July and two counts of failing to turn up to court hearings.

The court was told that during the eight weeks in custody Jackson had gone on an alcohol detoxification programme. "He found it a very unpleasant experience and has told me he's learnt his lesson and accepts he has to stop drinking," said his solicitor, Martha Recordon.

Jackson told District Judge Michael James he would be staying with a friend in Evesham and promised not to drink alcohol again.

"There will be many public houses desperate to sell you alcohol and I hope you can keep out of them," said the judge, who felt that more time in custody would serve no useful purpose.