Inmate started cell fire

A prisoner who started a fire in his jail cell in an attempt to kill two sex offenders locked up nearby has been jailed for six years.

Jason Roden, 27, from Plymouth, admitted two offences of arson with intent to endanger life.

He was on remand in the hospital wing of Exeter Prison for assault and criminal damage when he started the fire last month.

Chris Bennett, prosecuting, told Exeter Crown Court that Roden set fire to the mattress in his cell by igniting newspaper with his lighter.

Then he barricaded the door of his cell, having timed the blaze to coincide with a gap in patrols by prison officers.

Mood swings

The first prison officer on the scene tried to put out the fire with the help of other inmates who brought a hose and fire extinguishers.

The fire was later put out by the fire brigade.

Later the uninjured Roden told prison officers: "All I wanted to do was to burn all the nonces.

"I do not care if I die myself."

The blaze caused £1,800 worth of damage, and there were no injuries.

Defence solicitor Stephen Nunn said Roden's behaviour was affected by mood swings and he was looking forward to treatment.