A 41-YEAR-OLD man who threatened to burn down a hospital has been jailed for 18 months.

Michael Callaghan admitted affray after trying to set fire to Bethlem Hospital, Monks Orchard Road, West Wickham.

He was sentenced for the May 17 incident at Croydon Crown Court on August 29.

Prosecutor Philip Jones said police took Callaghan to the hospital by police at his request.

He was seen by a nurse and was given the chance to smoke a cigarette outside.

Mr Jones said: "A social worker arrived to assess him but Callaghan picked up his mobile phone and told someone he was being held hostage, adding You had better get here. The place is going to burn'."

Callaghan, of Launceston Road, Thornton Heath, then told the nurse: "I am going to burn you and your family. I'm going to burn your place so you will remember me."

Mr Jones added: "He produced an aerosol from his pocket and he had a cigarette lighter in the other hand. He sprayed the can in the air and lit it, producing a flame."

Callaghan did this three times then started crying, saying he was sorry.

Miss Kate Aubrey-Johnston, defending, said Callaghan was upset as he had earlier been refused admission to the hospital.

Judge Kenneth Macrae told Callaghan: "What you did was incredibly dangerous.

"I acknowledge you weren't well, but I have to have regard for the public."