Mark Durham, who set his former school on fire and caused £17,000 of damage, has been given a second chance after a judge heard he was beating his addiction problem, writes Karen Rosine.

Durham set fire to papers in offices at Peers School, Littlemore, Oxford, when he was drunk and on drugs in February last year.

He admitted arson at a hearing at Oxford Crown Court last November. Sentence was adjourned after the Recorder, Judge Harold Wilson, heard Durham had found a steady job and beaten his drinks and drug habit.

A six-month delay of sentencing was granted to see if further progress could be made. Durham smashed a front window at the school with a brick and started the fire. Police found a lighter in his pocket and cuts on his hands. Forensic tests linked him to the crime.

Yesterday Judge Wilson heard Durham, 23, of Peregrine Road, Blackbird Leys had kept out of trouble since then, apart from one drunk and disorderly charge on his birthday.

Durham was ordered to do 180 hours' community service and put on probation for two years, particularly focusing on his alcohol abuse. He was also ordered to pay £4,800 compensation.

Sentencing Durham, Judge Wilson said he was making an exception in this case.

Story date: Saturday 01 May

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