Arsonist given lager by police

A man who walked into his local police station to confess to arson was handed a can of lager by the officers, a court was told.

Jason Wallace, 26, walked into the city's main police station and told how he had set fire to a flat because the occupant owed him money, Swansea Crown Court heard.

Wallace smelled strongly of alcohol and claimed he had downed nine litres of cider.

While at the police station he became worked up and officers asked a doctor for advice. He told them to serve him lager to lessen the withdrawal symptoms of coming off a massive drinking spree.

Judge Gerald Price said: "Wonders will never cease. Does this mean that if you turn up at a police station and ask for alcohol you might get a drink?"

Wallace admitted arson being reckless as to whether life would be endangered. Judge Price said arson was a "grave offence" and a prison sentence was inevitable.