AN arsonist narrowly avoided “catastrophic consequences” when he set fire to a bag of rubbish outside a neighbour’s flat.

Antony Theodosius also caused £500 of damage when he set fire to two bins in a communal area outside the block of flats in Avon Way, Greenstead, Colchester.

Colchester Magistrates’ Court heard the arsonist was diagnosed with Asperger’s syndrome at the age of 18 and has the mental capabilities of a 13-year-old boy.

Theodosius said he set the bins alight when he was drunk and persuaded to do so by a friend.

Barry Hargreaves, prosecuting, said: “He entered the communal area of flats and started a fire in the communal bin area. The bin lids were destroyed and the bins had damage.

“He admitted to setting the bins on fire and said it was an alcohol-fuelled decision which he regrets.

“He said he and a friend were walking back and his friend was heard to say ‘Shall we set fire to something’.

“He said he didn’t want to do it, but is easily led into things.”

Several months later, Theodosius set fire to a bag of rubbish left outside the front door of a neighbour’s flat.

The court heard he was irritated as rubbish was repeatedly left in the hallway.

Mr Hargreaves added: “His actions had the potential for catastrophic consequences in these circumstances because it was at the door.”

Stephen Moriarty, mitigating, denied there could have been “catastrophic consequences”, as the defendant had only been charged with criminal damage.

He said: “What has been damaged is rubbish. That isn’t to minimise the seriousness of the offence.

“At 18 he was diagnosed with autism and Asperger’s. It is quite severe to the extent his support worker believes he has the mental capabilities of a 13-year-old boy.”

Theodosius, 26, of Avon Way, admitted two charges of arson. He was ordered to pay £500 in compensation to Colchester Borough Homes and was banned from leaving his home address between the hours of 8pm and 8am for the next three months.