An arsonist who sent his ex’s sentimental blanket up in flames while filming on his phone has been banned from drinking alcohol for 12 weeks.

Leigh Clarke, of Folkestone, also threatened to publish revealing pictures of her on social media if she went to the police.

But the 51-year-old admitted his actions at Margate Magistrates Court last Thursday.

The court heard Clarke filmed himself torching his ex-partner’s throw rug following the breakdown of their seven-year relationship.

After sending her the footage in April last year she said she would alert the authorities.

But Clarke threatened to post compromising photos of her on a social media website, adding he would “make her life a nightmare”, the prosecution explained.

Prosecutor Terry Knox explained Clarke’s actions unfolded after he obsessively phoned his ex during the months prior to the arson.

“He began to subject her to dozens of unwanted phone calls from various methods, apps and different numbers,” said Mr Knox.

“Then in April 2022 she received a video from Mr Clarke.

“It showed him burning her throw rug, which was of sentimental value to her because it belonged to her auntie in Spain. She replied that she was going to call the police.

“But in the morning he threatened that if she did he would upload private photos of her to social media and would ‘Make her life a nightmare’.”

Clarke had been in a relationship with his ex-partner for seven years before they separated in July 2021.

“[He] goes on drinking benders when he has low mood - he is not completely abstinent...”

He pleaded guilty to arson and sending communication conveying a threatening message on Thursday.

Mitigating, Ian Bond explained Clarke’s alcohol abuse contributed to his actions, and he has a history of “going on benders”.

“My client accepts his behaviour was entirely wrong and has no wish to be involved with the victim in the future,” said Mr Bond.

“He suffers from bipolar and he stopped taking his medication around the time of the offending.

“This is a man who has a background of mental health problems who goes on drinking benders when he has low mood - he is not completely abstinent.”

Chair magistrate Jennifer Lennard handed Clarke, of Fairway Avenue, a 12-month community order and a course of rehabilitation activity requirement days.

“You’ll also have to pay a total of £430 in fines, and will be subjected to 12 weeks of alcohol monitoring,” added Ms Lennard.