A PYROMANIAC with a compulsion for setting fires has been jailed for two years.

Antony Kleingeld was caught on camera starting a blaze at Ardleigh Village Hall in July.

After briefly surveying the scene and looking through nearby windows, the 29-year-old used his own fleece to spread the fire to the door and caused £700 worth of damage.

The prolific firestarter was arrested at his home in Ardleigh Court and told police it had happened because his mental health was deteriorating.

This is Kleingeld’s FIFTH conviction for arson having previously set fire to bins, cars and a stack of hay.

Frank O’Toole mitigating at Chelmsford Crown Court said Kleingeld needed professional help to put an end to this behaviour.

He said: “All these incidents of arson are a cry for help.

“Sadly, these cries for help are ones which could serious endanger the defendant or members of the public.”

Kleingeld admitted arson and breaching a criminal behaviour order which bans him having any articles in public used for starting fires.

Judge Timothy Walker jailed him for two years, urged him to get help and never start a blaze again.

“Your offending is becoming more and more serious and your fire starting is becoming graver,”he said.

“This simply needs to stop.

“You cannot keep setting fire to things.

“You put yourself at risk, your own life at risk and there is a very real possibility you put other people’s lives in danger.

“You could find yourself facing a more serious charge should you do this again and anyone be hurt.

“Seek whatever help you can in custody and take advantage of it.

“I never want to see you in court again for setting another fire.”