A SOUTHBOURNE man has ‘awoken in a nightmare scenario’ after a breakdown, a court heard on Monday.

Jason Paul Small, 43, of Oxford Avenue, pleaded guilty to arson being reckless as to whether life is endangered and affray at Bourne-mouth Crown Court.

He was remanded in custody until a pre-sentence report and a psychiatric report are prepared, as Judge Peter Johnson said he may yet be a danger to himself and others.

Small, who was unshaven and clasped his hands in front of him as he stood in the dock, faces charges relating to an incident that happened on June 29.

Gary Venturi, defending, said: “He is truly remorseful about this, and particularly in relation to others present in the block of flats.”

The court heard that Small, who has children from two marriages, has alcohol abuse problems.

Mr Venturi said his home was ‘slightly damaged’ in the blaze, adding: “This is someone who, in his own words, begs for bail so he can sort himself out.”

But Judge Johnson said: “This is a case of arson – at the very least, he was psychologically if not psychiatrically disturbed on that particular night.”

He said Small was in an ‘extremely emotionally height-ened state’ when he committed the offences.

Police, Dorset Fire and Rescue and ambulance crews were called at 8.45pm on that evening.

A spokesperson for Dorset Police said Small was taken to hospital suffering from smoke inhalation, but no one else was injured in the incident.

The defendant will be sentenced at the court on Monday, September 2.