An arsonist with mental problems has been released from custody in an attempt to find a place for him to live in the community.

Terence Richard Deaves faces three years in jail for setting fire to his shop in Helmsley while people slept above it.

But before sentencing him Judge Jonathan Crabtree adjourned his case for four weeks to allow a Bradford hostel to decide if staff can help him.

The usual sentence for Deaves' crime was three years, he said.

"I am extremely concerned about the risk you may be to other people in the future," he told Deaves, aged 34, of Bransdale, at Doncaster Crown Court."This is why I am basically against any notion of letting you out on probation in the ordinary way."

But psychiatrists now said his health was much better.

"Under supervision, it may be possible to let you live in the community," the judge said.

Then he accepted the suggestion by Adrian Dent, Deaves' counsel, that he go to Boxtree Cottage, Bradford, which helps criminals with mental problems.

Deaves was released on bail on condition he stay at the hostel.

Mr Dent told him it was a small community where staff would spot abnormal behaviour. Only staff were allowed access to drugs.

He added that on one occasion in a prison hospital, Deaves had got so upset when another inmate took his card that a nurse had had to give him diazephram. But a drugs test revealed he was now clear of amphetamines.

The judge said Deaves had woken the couple sleeping above his shop after the fire started.

Fire investigators said shortly after the blaze at Sense perfume shop in May that it appeared to have started when carpet was ignited. Police immediately suspected arson.

It is understood that Deaves had been taking amphetamines in the period leading up to the fire.

Deaves admitted arson at a previous hearing. He will next appear in court on December 18.

Converted for the new archive on 30 June 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.