A RIOTER who torched a police car has been warned he faces a 'substantial custodial sentence', a court heard.

Christopher Smith, 33, was among a group of up to five thugs who kicked off a petrol cap and smashed a back window of the Met Police vehicle before stuffing burning paper inside.

The attack took place in Woolwich New Road near the Docklands Light Railway station in Woolwich, during clashes with police in nearby Beresford Square.

Smith denied arson but prosecutor, Gregor McKinley, said his admission to violent disorder related to the same facts on the evening of August 8.

The barrister told Inner London Crown Court: "He admits being involved in what was the setting on fire of the police car."

CCTV captured the incident and a 10 minute clip is to be played during the sentencing hearing.

Judge Roger Chapple adjourned the case to October 24 to allow the defence to obtain a psychiatric report, after hearing he suffers from "depression, anxiety and panic attacks".

Remanding Smith in custody Mr Chapple said: "I regard a prison sentence to be inevitable.

"The starting point is likely to be a substantial sentence of imprisonment.

"Of course I won't make up my mind until I have read all the relevant reports."

Smith, of Wyatt Road, Dartford, admitted violent disorder and one count of common assault from the following day.

He denies conspiracy to commit arson with others unknown and this charge will be dealt with on the next court appearance.