An arsonist from Oldham is to spend more time behind bars after setting fire to his cell on two separate occasions.

George Hill, of no fixed address, was incarcerated at His Majesty’s pleasure in Warrington when he ignited material in his cell.

Both incidents occurred over the space of just over a month, with the 27-year-old subsequently hauled before the courts.

He was charged with two counts of arson with recklessness as to whether life was endangered, as well as breach of bail.

He pleaded guilty to all before Chester Crown Court on a previous occasion, with the case brought back before the same court for him to be sentenced.

The first incident occurred on March 2 last year, explained Shannon Stewart, prosecuting.

Hill was locked up at the category C prison on Warrington Road when he started a fire in his cell, causing £2,668.99 worth of damage.

A further fire was lit by the defendant in his cell on April 6 that year, with damage valued at £2,649.99.

Having been charged, he was released on bail to appear at Chester Crown Court in May this year, but he failed to do so, leading to the breach of bail charge.

Taking all that had been said into account, recorder Jeremy Lasker ruled that the offending was too serious to merit anything other than an immediate jail term.

Hill was sentenced to 40 months in prison.