A PROLIFIC arsonist has been jailed after setting fire to a stack of hay bales.

Anthony Theodosius, who was described by a psychiatrist as a pyromaniac, started the blaze at Wick Farm in Colchester in July.

The fire at the working site was discovered quickly and the fire brigade were called.

Last year, the 28-year-old was jailed after setting light to two cars at the Hythe, calling 999 and then watching as the infernos were extinguished.

When he was challenged, he had said he had made the call and wanted to make sure everything was made safe.

Shortly afterwards he called the fire brigade to his home only for them to find no trace of the blaze.

Theodosius also set fire to communal bins at a block of flats on two separate occasions.

His persistent arsons led to him being given a Criminal Behaviour Order banning him from carrying matches or a lighter in public.

He was caught on CCTV starting the fire at the farm and investigating officers found a picture of him on Facebook from the same night holding cigarettes and a lighter.

Theodosius admitted breaching the order and arson at Chelmsford Crown Court earlier this year.

Sentencing had been delayed for a psychiatric report which said he was fit to serve a prison term.

As well as the pyromania, experts concluded he had a personality disorder.

Frank O’Toole, mitigating, said his health issues made it difficult for him to understand what he is doing and the consequences of his actions.

Judge Patricia Lynch QC jailed him for a year with the strict condition he is offered dialectical behavioural therapy to help him with problem solving and give him other coping skills.

Although experts said Theodosius, of Ardleigh Court, Ardleigh, may present a danger to the public Judge Lynch said the law did not allow her to impose an extended sentence.

“Although it is not the most serious offence of its kind it is still very serious,” she said, “particularly because you have a history of setting fire to things and that must be addressed.

“During your time in custody you should receive psychological treatment recommended by the expert in the form of dialectical behavioural therapy.

“It is one of the most effective treatments for emotional personality disorder.”