AN ARSONIST who risked lives and caused £400,000 worth of damage to a Burger King restaurant has been jailed for seven years.

Disgruntled employee Aaron James started eight fires at the fast-food restaurant at Tower Park in Poole after "petty disputes" with his boss.

And today he is beginning the lengthy jail term after a judge told him: "The risk to life created by your actions is obvious.

"At first customers were on the premises but they were evacuated. As one fire was extinguished, you lit another and watched."

Judge John Harrow also extended the licence period to be served by James after he leaves prison by three years.

Police who investigated the offence, committed on October 16 last year, praised the sentence handed down by the judge.

"We are very pleased with the sentence," said Detective Sergeant Dave James. "Obviously it was a very serious offence and the potential for fatalities was high.

"It was clear throughout the investigation that he did need help and I hope he will take the opportunity to get the help he needs in prison."

Bournemouth Crown Court was told that James, 21, of Green Road, Bournemouth, suffers from chronic kidney problems and has a personality disorder which is untreatable.

Defending him, Iain Ross described his client as "vulnerable" and said a lengthy jail term may be detrimental to his mental well-being.

James was convicted in August of arson, being reckless as to whether life would be endangered.

His trial heard that the blaze destroyed the premises and led to the loss of around 40 jobs.

Jurors were told he started the fires because he was angry after being criticised and being asked to leave early.

He set fires using burger wrappers inside bins in the eating area, manager's office, kitchen and dry store.

Around 15 customers were forced to flee as the blaze took hold. Jurors returned a unanimous verdict of guilty.

Sentencing, Judge Harrow added: "Fortunately nobody was harmed. Someone could have fallen down and been trapped in the wreckage. This behaviour must result in a substantial prison sentence."

First published: November 3