Watch as North East arsonist sparks blaze at supermarket

Liam Simpson targeted a bin store behind the Tesco Extra at Windy Nook, Gateshead, in the early hours of April 26. 

The tracksuit wearing 36-year-old was clearly caught on CCTV as he set alight to piles of cardboard in large cages just one metre away from the main shop, then simply walk away. 

The footage shows how within moments the flames spread and erupted into a ferocious blaze spewing out thick smoke. 

Newcastle Crown Court heard the fire came close to setting the entire store alight and workers at the shop were left upset by the destruction. 

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One employee was in tears as a result of the damage. 

Prosecutor Ian West told the court: "He set fires, in more than one place, in containers at the back of the place before leaving. 

"The fire takes hold."

Mr West said £3,000 damage was caused in the blaze. 

The store manager said in an impact statement on behalf of Tesco: "The incident has caused store workers to be visibly upset due to it being our place of work. 

"One worker was in tears as a result of the destruction of the fire. 

"The fire was close to setting the entire store alight."

He added that if the blaze had spread to the shop it would have had to close, at a cost of up to £85,000 per week to the company. 

Mr West said Simpson told police he had "no memory of it" as he was under the influence of drugs. 

The court heard there was no suggestion Simpson had a grudge against Tesco or its employees.

Simpson, of Cotemede Court, Leam Lane, Gateshead, who has previous convictions but none involving fires, pleaded guilty to arson. 

Tony Cornberg, defending, said Simpson was under pressure due to caring responsibilities at the time and had taken a mix of medication before he started the fire.

Mr Cornberg added: "He is not a danger to the public." 

Judge Nathan Adams told Simpson: "You set fire, at night, to cardboard in the bin store, about one metre away from the main building. The fire quickly got out of control. 

"It was a large pile of cardboard, clearly flammable material. 

"The fire brigade got to it in time before damage was done to the building.

"There's no suggestion you were targeting Tescos in particular, or any other motivation for this whatsoever. 

"It was simply a very dangerous, reckless act you did while under the influence of substances. 

"Arson is a very serious matter as it is very, very easy for fire to get out of control and cause serious damage to property or even people."

Judge Adams said Simpson has a prospect of rehabilitation with the correct support and sentenced him to six months, suspended for 18 months, with drug rehabilitation requirements. 

The judge added: "The public are better served by giving you that chance rather than putting you in prison today."