A MAN who caused £90,000 worth of damage in a Darwen timber yard fire had to be disabled with pepper spray when police arrested him.

Brendan Rawsthorn had also claimed a local shopkeeper was a London bomber.

When he breached his bail, he was arrested by police who had to force their way into a Scarborough flat and fell him with pepper spray. He was brandishing three Samurai swords.

Rawsthorn, 21, of no fixed address, appeared for sentence at Preston Crown Court after previously admitting arson at Darwen Timber and Building Supplies NW Ltd on Queen Street, and wasting police time and affray.

Judge Andrew Gilbart QC passed an indeterminate sentence for public protection. Rawsthorn must serve two years and one month, less 180 days he has already served on remand.

The judge said the arson was a serious offence. Jobs had also been put in jeopardy.

Regarding wasting police time, he said: "To accuse someone of being a bomber of that type, with no grounds, is an appalling thing to do."

Miss Wendy Nilsen, prosecuting, said Rawsthorn had contacted police from an address in Darwen and claimed the London bomber had a shop in Hindle Street, Darwen.

Rawsthorn's girlfriend at the time also gave false information and later received a financial penalty at court.

The arson took place a couple of days later on July 24 last year. Rawsthorn and others had been kicking a football in the area when he said: "You could imagine that place setting on fire."

He picked up a magazine and an envelope and climbed over the wall.He later returned and said: "I started it, I put it on the middle shelf, so the whole lot goes up."

The affray took place on August 7 this year in , Scarborough.