A BOY of 14 who torched the home of a lonely alcoholic has been jailed for six years.

Tearaway Edward Hutchinson was living a feral existence' when he targeted the home of 35-year-old Damian Heyslop in Beaufort Street, Nelson, on August 29 last year, Preston Crown Court was told.

Hutchinson had resolved to drive problem drinker Mr Heyslop from his home after the youngster fell out with him, the court heard.

Four days earlier the teenager had thrown a fridge door through a window at Mr Heyslop's home. The victim was upset at the damage and told Salvation Army volunteers that he just wanted to be left alone to live a quiet life.

Recorder of Preston, Judge Anthony Russell QC agreed to lift reporting restrictions in Hutchinson's case because he believed it was in the public interest.

Prosecutor Sarah Dodd said the defendant and a girl had gone to his home to shelter from the rain. But while there Hutchinson set two fires - the most serious in the lounge.

Mr Heyslop had probably been asleep at the time and sought refuge by lying in a bath of water, having tried to escape.

He died from carbon monoxide poisoning, but burns were also found on his body.

Hutchinson, now 15, who also lives in Beaufort Street, Nelson, admitted manslaughter and a separate offence of attempted robbery.