A MAN with a psychiatric condition, previously convicted of five arson attacks, was yesterday locked up for three years.

Matthew Haines, aged 25, of Snowden Court, Croesyceiliog, who suffers from a form of autism called Asperger's syndrome, was sentenced to three years in custody, which he may now spend in Llanarth Court care home, where he has been since the end of the court case last month.

Judge Gary Hickinbottom said: "We are here to sentence in respect of five cases of simple arson committed during a ten-month period in 2001 and 2002."

He said that Haines had been detained in secure conditions at Llanarth Court and was a considerable danger to the community, so he should remain detained in the hospital for medical treatment.

Mr Hickinbottom said: "You shall stay at the hospital and get the treatment that you need, and I urge you to co-operate with the hospital as best you can with a view to you being able to manage your condition to be released in the community."