A WOULD-BE arsonist, who refused to leave his jail cell and decided to go back to sleep instead of attending his court case, has received a 13 month prison sentence.

James Perkins, 27, refused to appear for sentencing at Chelmsford Crown Court yesterday.

In September he was charged with the attempted arson of property belonging to his neighbour Dylan Calvert and damaging his window.

Perkins denied the charges but was found guilty following a trial in October which he also refused to attend.

Yesterday, the court heard Mr Calvert found an envelope covered in white spirit in his letter box, and noticed a damp patch on his doorstep on September 1.

Mr Calvert, who lives in Colchester, called the police as he was “terrified” and stayed with family members.

He later learned one of his windows had been smashed and witnesses reported Perkins being at the scene carrying something ablaze.

Perkins refused to leave his cell yesterday and the court heard he told probation officers he was not attending court, and instead went back to sleep.

He also chose not to be legally represented.

Judge David Turner QC said Perkins also failed to attend court hearings on February 3 and February 10, leaving the sentencing to be carried out in his absence yesterday.

Judge Turner said: “Perkins has given no account whatever to explain this bizarre misconduct.

“The absence of motive is, I confess, very troubling indeed.

“I regard this as a very unpleasant, troubling and terrifying experience for Mr Calvert.”

Perkins has been in custody since September.

He was sentenced to 12 months imprisonment for attempted arson and one month for criminal damage to run concurrently.

He was also given a three year restraining order.