MAN THREATENED TO SET EX’S HOME ON FIRE

ANGRY Joshua Hayes sent his expartner pictures of a petrol can and threatened to set fire to her flat.

The 27-year-old also stole two laptops and a karaoke machine from her home after he broke in and caused hundreds of pounds of damage. Stoke-on-trent Crown Court heard that Hayes set fire to her property in 2016 after finding out she was pregnant.

Hayes and the victim, who have a child together, resumed their ‘on-off’ relationship when he was released from prison and later separated.

Prosecutor Gemma Maxwell, said: “She received two photographs on Facebook from the defendant – pictures of a petrol can. In another message the defendant said, ‘I’m coming watch it burn, ring me’ and ‘Game on, I’m waiting’”.

Hayes, of St Andrews Drive, Newcastle, pleaded guilty to theft, sending malicious communications, criminal damage and assaulting an emergency worker. He was sentenced to 28 weeks in prison – but will be eligible for release straight away because of time spent on remand.