A HERO who risked his life to save a man trapped on a railway line later fell from grace when he set fire to his own home.

David Hustwick, 64, of The Village, Old Earswick, was jailed for two years after pleading guilty to arson reckless of whether life would be put at risk.

Prosecuting counsel Nick Worsley told York Crown Court that Hustwick had torched his home to frustrate his former partner, Doris McDonald, when she demanded the house be sold after an acrimonious break-up.

The court heard that some time ago the former painter and decorator had saved the life of a person trapped on a railway line as a 125 train sped towards them.

But on March 25, this year, he set his home alight, using turpentine, also setting another fire, which did not take.

He then sat and watched the fire from his car.

"He was in a very emotionally distressed state," said Richard Newbury, defending. "He just did not know what to do."

In the meantime, Hust-wick's neighbour had seen smoke rising from the roof of the house, alerted the adjoining neighbour to the fire, and calling the fire service.

Hustwick then called the fire service himself, and asked to talk to police.

"He had immediately recognised he had done wrong and that the police would be involved," said Mr Newbury.

But Mr Worsley said Hustwick knew the consequences his actions could have from the start.

"He fully expected to burn the house down, and accepted it could have spread next door, but maintained he believed the neighbour was not at home," he said.

Judge Gavin Barr Young said Hustwick had not taken enough care to ensure that the life of the neighbour or firefighters had not been endangered. He said: "At the age of 64 with a good character intact until these events, you now stand to be sentenced for an act of appalling irresponsibility.

"The nature of this offence is such that only a custodial verdict can be given."

Updated: 09:21 Saturday, July 26, 2003