JAILED: Convicted killer who tried to take own life by setting light to house

Anthony Lewis - jailed for 15 years in 1984 for stabbing to death the woman he lived with at the time - struck on October 10, Wolverhampton Crown Court heard.

The 51-year-old decided to end his own life after falling out with his new sweetheart, revealed Mr Howard Searle, prosecuting.

Lewis went back to his ground floor flat in Rainbow Street, Coseley and set fire to the sofa and bedding, the court was told.

He then went to the home of an 82-year-old woman who lived next door but left without knowing if his warning knocks on the door had been heard, continued Mr Searle.

Fire crews were called and quickly extinguished the blaze and the defendant was arrested, it was said.

Mr George Jonas defending said Lewis was incapable of 'letting go' of a relationship when it was over. The lawyer continued that there was never any intention to injure other people but concluded: "He wanted to do himself in at the time and he was reckless about the consequences."

Lewis admitted arson while reckless as to whether life was endangered and was sent to prison by the Judge Robin Onions who also lengthened the period on which the defendant will remain on licence following his release from jail by five years.

Judge Onions told him: You had your views - this lady had her views. You got into an argument and you made the unpleasant threat that you would slit her throat. You then went home and decided to end your own life.

"I do find you are dangerous given the seriousness of the offence, your record of offending and the risk of further harm assessed by the Probation Service. Anyone who set fire to their property causes a risk to neighbouring properties, to Firemen called out to fight the fire and to passers-by."