WHEN a garage worker was sacked for alcoholism, he thought he could win his job back by starting a fire in protest.

The blaze eventually destroyed the building, causing £100,000 damage and losing his firm £150,000 of business.

The Aylesford Tyre and Auto Centre has still not reopened since the fire in May.

Sean Lawrence, 35, of Tonbridge Road, Maidstone, was jailed for three years at Maidstone Crown Court after he admitted starting the blaze.

However, ex-boss John Weeks said the repercussion of his actions would continue to affect the business.

Maidstone Crown Court heard Kerry Musgrave, prosecuting, told the court that when Lawrence was sacked, his employer had some sympathy and gave him two weeks' extra wages.

Lyall Thompson, defending, said the father-of-two only had in mind a relatively small fire involving tyres outside the building.

The court heard that Lawrence was seen approaching the premises shortly before the fire and was caught on CCTV cameras buying petrol at a supermarket.

Mr Weeks described crying as he watched more than 20 firefighters trying to tackle the blaze, on May 19, at the business he spent 25 years building up.

Judge Philip Statman said the fire was always dangerous and difficult to control.

"Your decision-making was clearly affected by the fact you were an alcoholic," he said. "But at the end of the day, I have to remember that for whatever reason you went back to avenge the loss of your job."

But the judge said he was satisfied Lawrence did not remain a danger of further fire setting.