AN arsonist has been jailed after he assaulted his ex-girlfriend, flicked a cigarette lighter at her hair, set fire to items and trashed a house – causing thousands of pounds' worth of damage.

Jody Stephen Ungor, of no fixed address, appeared at Furness Magistrates' Court and pleaded guilty to charges of assault by beating, arson and criminal damage, which happened on April 17 and 18 in Ulverston.

The court heard the 25-year-old turned up at the house of his ex-girlfriend Chelsea Haddow at around 11.30pm over a disagreement about a car.

Prosecutor Mr Lee Dacre said: "He then dragged her off the sofa, pinning her down on the floor with his hands round her throat trying to get the keys off her."

Mr Dacre said there had been a smell of burning and Miss Haddow's hat had been set on fire along with some paper and underwear in a drawer. Ungor then proceeded to flick a cigarette lighter towards her hair.

The court also heard how the next day Ungor had slashed, cut and smashed items as well as spraying walls with glue and paint.

Mr Dacre said the act was "deliberate and vindictive".

Defence solicitor Mr Trystan Roberts explained how the couple had been having problems with their relationship for weeks previous to this.

During the hearing on Thursday, Mr Roberts said: "He was in a great deal of distress and has guilt of what happened.

"He is a man in turmoil and distress."

Mr Roberts told the court that the couple had stayed in the same house the night of the events.

District Judge Gerald Chalk sentenced Ungor to 190 days in prison, 95 of these to be spent in custody. Ungor has already spent six weeks in custody, these six weeks will be deducted from the time he spends in prison.

A five-year restraining order was made to stop Ungor from contacting Miss Haddow.

Ungor must also pay Miss Haddow £1,000 compensation.