An arsonist who tried to set fire to an Oxford University student's room while high on drugs has been jailed for two years, writes Emma Henry.

Michael Woods, 21, of Prestwick Burn, Didcot, appeared before Oxford Crown Court yesterday for sentencing after pleading guilty to arson and burglary. He asked for another burglary to be taken into consideration.

Jane Alt, prosecuting, said a number of friends had gathered in student James Macintosh's Balliol College room, which overlooks Broad Street, in the early hours of May 14, when a smouldering cigarette was thrown through the window. Miss Alt said: "They retrieved it and put it into an ashtray. Later, a lit piece of paper was thrown in through the window and came to rest on the window sill, leaving burn marks. The fire was extinguished by the people."

She said CCTV cameras in the room showed Woods cycling around in the area, igniting some rolled-up paper.

Rachel Drake, defending, said Woods carried out the arson while high on drugs and committed the burglaries to buy heroin and crack cocaine.

Judge Anthony King said: "Only a custodial sentence is appropriate."