AN arsonist who doused his sleeping partner’s bedsheets in petrol before setting fire to their flat in a “bizarre” episode brought on by “insecurity” has been jailed for six-and-a-half years.

Alan Fox, 54, of Rochford Road, Southend, started the blaze on October 21 after arguing with his long-term girlfriend Shirley Hawkins.

Basildon Crown Court heard he sat outside in his Renault Scenic to watch the ensuing chaos after setting fire to an armchair in their living room.

Miss Hawkins’ life was saved by a downstairs neighbour who spotted smoke pouring from the living room window just after midnight.

Marc Brown, prosecuting, told the court Fox started the blaze after Miss Hawkins refused to stay up drinking vodka with him, causing Mr Fox to say: “You don’t want to be with me.”

Mr Brown said the neighbour started banging on the ceiling with a broom after hearing a bang just after midnight, but went up to investigate when all her lights went out 20 minutes later.

He said: “After about five or ten minutes Miss Hawkins woke to the sound of banging and heard shouting. She went to the front door and was described as being dazed and sleepy.”

The panicked pair told firefighters Fox was still in the building, but when crews gained access he was nowhere to be seen.

They discovered an empty petrol can in the front room and bedsheets which were soaked in petrol.

A neighbour pointed out that Fox was sitting in his car outside, drinking from a bottle of vodka. He drove off but was arrested nearby a few hours later.

Fox admitted arson with intent to endanger life on the opening day of his trial in February.

Alistair Fell, mitigating, said there had previously been no problems in the three-year relationship and the fire was an “unusual event” brought on by symptoms of depression and alcohol consumption.

Judge Ian Graham said he accepted the incident was “totally out of character” but that it was a “bizarre” crime caused by Fox’s “insecurity.”