A young man who started a blaze that killed his landlord is facing at least seven years behind bars jail after being convicted of manslaughter.

Stuart Willard was told he will serve eight years, less a year spent on remand, before the parole board considers his release.

Imposing the indefinite sentence for public protection on Friday, a judge told the 22-year-old he was "a dangerous young man fascinated with starting fires".

Maidstone Crown Court heard how six months before the fatal fire, Willard was proclaimed a hero for rescuing victim John Skilton and another occupant from the same Tonbridge flat.

But police and firefighters became suspicious when flames again erupted on January 20 last year. Willard fled through a window from the top floor flat in Bridge Close, but this time Mr Skilton, 46, was trapped inside.

He suffered 40-50 per cent burns to his body and died in hospital later that day.

Willard, of Lodge Oak Lane, Tonbridge, was responsible for several minor arson attacks over 18 months in the area on trees, wheelie bins and sheds.

He denied manslaughter, nine charges of arson being reckless as to whether life was endangered, six of arson with intent to endanger life and three of arson.

He was convicted of five charges of arson being reckless as to whether life was endangered, one of arson with intent to endanger life and three of arson.

He was acquitted of four charges of arson with intent to endanger life and three of arson being reckless as to whether life was endangered. Other charges were alternatives.