A CO Down man who tried to kick the door of his friend's flat in before setting fire to the letterbox was jailed for 14 months today.
In the aftermath of the incident in Newtownards last November, Aaron Mayne was caught in possession of a knife which Judge Geoffrey Miller QC described as a "potentially murderous weapon."
From Bangor Road in Newtownards, Mayne appeared at a remote hearing of Downpatrick Crown Crown, sitting in Belfast, from Maghaberry Prison.
Crown barrister Jonathan Connolly said police received a 999 call around 10pm on November 7 last year, stating a man was trying to kick in the door of a flat in John Street, and that a fire had been started at the property.
As police arrived they stopped Mayne close to the flats and detained him and as they made their way towards the blaze saw flames coming from a melting letterbox.
Police forced entry to the smoke-filled flat and found a man lying asleep on a chair.
He was treated in hospital for smoke inhalation.
When Mayne (30) was searched, a large black knife was found in his backpack. He was also found to be in possession of five Diazepam tablets.
When interviewed he claimed he had gone to the flat to confront his friend about money missing from his child's money box.
He said he set fire to the letterbox in a bid to make his friend leave his flat so he could confront him.
The father-of-one later admitted five charges arising from the incident - including arson, attempted burglary with intent to commit GBH and possessing the knife.
Defence barrister Alan Blackburn said having spend the last eight months in prison, Mayne now realises that he "needs to change his ways."
Describing Mayne's behaviour last November as "pre-meditated", Judge Miller said there was "no question" the offences warranted custody.