A Bristol man who set off a firework rocket through his neighbour's letter box before torching his own flat and pointing a gun at a fireman who arrived to rescue him has been sent to jail.

Kenneth James was under the effects of amphetamine when he carried out the bizarre acts at his home in New Road, Totterdown, in May, Bristol Crown Court heard.

The 55-year-old pleaded guilty to two charges of arson being reckless as to whether life was endangered, and one of possessing a firearm with intent to cause fear of violence.

Judge Michael Roach told him: "You committed these offences when you suffered the effects of amphetamine. You put yourself in that position. I accept that while away from amphetamine you do not pose a risk in the future."

The judge handed James a three-year jail term, of which he should serve half in custody, as well as a three-year extended licence period in which he will be supervised.

Stephen Dent, prosecuting, said Jessica Hardiman and Damien Tovey returned to their home to find glass in the front door smashed and the premises full of thick smoke.

They later discovered a firework rocket had been fired inside the mid-terrace property.

Mr Dent said Mr Tovey investigated smoke from his neighbour's property and found James hunched over, holding a handgun, saying: "I've set my house on fire".

When firefighters arrived at the scene crew manager Ian Campbell asked James to leave for his own safety, the court heard.

Mr Dent said: "The defendant refused. He pointed a gun at Mr Campbell's face and said he wasn't going to go anywhere.

"Mr Campbell believed it was a real handgun and repeatedly asked him to put it down.

"After a while the defendant threw the gun under some stairs. The defendant walked out of the back door and Mr Campbell walked out of the front door."

As firefighters tackled the flames police arrested James and found an air pistol as well as blank-firing handgun.

James said he had been trying to end his life, he had taken a large number of pills and he had no memory of going to his neighbour's house.

The court was told he had previous convictions for possessing offensive weapons including a flick knife and loaded cross bow.

Nicholas O'Brien, defending, said: "There is a psychiatric report and a further doctor's report and both doctors are of the view this was drug-induced psychosis.

"When first taken to custody he was very restless, he wouldn't sleep and he was annoying prisoners.

"He kept off drugs and his condition gradually improved. With drugs out of his system he is now perfectly sensible and rational. He now has insight into his condition."

Mr O'Brien suggested a period of extended licence would help to tackle his client's drug issues.