AN arsonist is starting a jail sentence today for a revenge attack that destroyed a house.

Anthony Breadmore, 31, started two fires at the bungalow in Jaywick after he was told the tenant had burgled his home.

The first fire caused little damage but a court heard the second blaze wrecked the house in Meadow Way.

Damage was estimated at more than £80,000 and the owner was later told it would be cheaper to knock down the remains and start again.

Breadmore started the fires after being told the man living in the house - former friend Peter Williams - was responsible for a break-in at Breadmore's home.

"It was a moment of madness to get back at his friend," Breadmore's barrister told Chelmsford Crown Court.

Breadmore was jailed for three and a half years after he admitted last September’s arson attack.

Judge Laura Harris told him: "This was purely and simply a revenge attack over your belief your former friend had done this burglary.”

The judge added: "It did not justify you behaving in this way."

Mr Williams told police: "I've lost all my worldly possessions because of the fire."

The damage was estimated at £82,000.

Alan Compton, mitigating, said there had been a burglary at Breadmore's home in Sea Way, Jaywick, and he was told Mr Williams was responsible.

"It was a moment of madness to get back at his friend," said Mr Compton.