Firestarter poured petrol through a Greenock couple's letterbox and set the accelerant aflame in a bust-up over a debt

Paul Gostelow targeted the second-floor flat on Sir Michael Street after arguing with the householders and returning to their door with the fuel.

The sheriff court heard how the door and carpet were damaged and an emergency call made to police and firefighters during the incident.

Multiple offender Gostelow's lawyer, Bob Mitchell, said: "What he did was reckless and stupid.

"Taking into account his previous convictions, it is accepted that custody is inevitable."

Thirty-eight-year-old Gostelow, of Inverkip Street, carried out the attack on June 5.

He pleaded guilty to wilfully setting fire to property by pouring petrol or another liquid accelerant through a letterbox and setting it alight.

Gostelow was on bail regarding an allegation that he engaged in a knife fight with his brother in February.

Prosecutor Claire Rowan said: "The accused had attended at the locus regarding an alleged debt.

"An argument took place between him and the two Crown witnesses.

"The witnesses then noticed fluid being poured through their letterbox and they assumed it was petrol.

"The fluid was set alight.

"One of the witnesses went to the kitchen and got a damp rag which was used to extinguish the flames.

"Police and the fire service attended.

"The accused was traced later and made no reply to caution and charge."

Gostelow has a string of previous convictions for weapons and assaults.

Solicitor Mr Mitchell said: "What occurred did not result in any injury and there was no significant damage.

"This is what he expected as he knew the two witnesses were in and that it would be extinguished quickly.

"It doesn't make it any less reckless."

Sheriff Joseph Hughes sentenced Gostelow to 15 months imprisonment, backdated to June 8 when he was first remanded in custody on the matter.