A TEENAGER under pressure because of his studies set fire to waste bins outside two shops in Worcester and caused people living in flats above to fear for their lives, a court was told.

Extensive damage was caused to the exteriors of the shops, including scorching to historic brickwork and melting of plastic windows, soffits and fascia, said Paul Whitfield, prosecuting at Worcester Crown Court.

Marcus Hennell, aged 19, of Cecilia Avenue, Worcester, who admitted two counts of arson, was given a 12-month community order with 150 hours unpaid work. He was also ordered to pay £1,350 compensation and £1,260 court costs.

The first shop attacked was at the Co-op in Henwick Road. Bins were set alight at 2.30am and the flames, 12ft high at times, spread into vegetation and threatened the seven flats above. It was a listed building and historic pillars were damaged.

Mr Whitfield said the second attack was outside the First Quench off-licence at the junction of Martley Road and Monarch Drive. Two small bins and a large industrial bin were set alight and a hooded youth was seen running from the scene.

The flames could have spread to residential parts of the property. Hennell was arrested soon afterwards and admitted setting the rubbish alight with his lighter. He blamed pressure from the final year of his studies.

Sophie Lomas, defending, said Hennell had since obtained a job earning £700 a month and was able to pay the costs and compensation.

Judge John Cavell said Hennell had acted out of character but his actions had caused serious damage to property as well as putting the residents at risk.