A BARMAN left a woman in Southampton feeling scared for her safety after torching her shed on the same morning he burgled a nearby house.

Michael Macey, 21, set the woman's garden shed on fire at a property on West End Road, in Harefield, in what was described as a “reckless” incident that caused a "great risk".

Southampton Crown Court heard he had been seen in the area around an hour before the blaze broke out at 6.20am. It caused around £2,000 worth of damage.

Macey of Tunstall Road, Southampton was found with his eyebrows, beard, and hair “singed”.

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The court heard Macey had also stolen coats and a handbag from a house in Cutbush Lane, with one of the items belonging to the owner's late father. The residents had been at home at the time with the door left unlocked.

Prosecutor Shona Probert said the arson had been “reckless” and was “very close” to a house creating a “great risk”.

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Reading a statement from the victim, she said: “This incident today has made me very scared and worried for mine and my family's safety in our own home.

“I feel very concerned and worried and my anxiety levels are through the roof. We were supposed to be going away for the night tonight. I’m now not sure I can physically do this.”

Mitigating, Emily Lanham said the burglary and arson were “clearly unplanned”, adding that he had been drinking on that occasion.

She said: “He has had a diagnosis of depression and anxiety. It is clear that Mr Macey is willing to engage in a number of solutions”.

Ms Lanham added that the incidents took place in April 2022 and he hasn’t offended since.

Macey, a barman, has 17 convictions for 44 offences including theft, burglary, aggravated vehicle taking and criminal damage.

Judge Keith Cutler CBE said these are “serious offences” but accepted that there “has been a change” in the defendant.

Macey was given 18 months' imprisonment suspended for two years and 100 hours of unpaid work.

He must also complete an accredited course and 10 rehabilitation days.

Macey admitted arson and burglary, as well as taking a Ford Focus without consent in an incident dating back to September 2021.