Man set himself on fire while burning car

Tony James, 34, was found with just under £10,000 in cocaine when he was arrested, police said

A drug dealer has been jailed after burning a car, setting himself on fire in the process.

Tony James, 34, of Burghley Drive, Corby, used an accelerant to set a blue Mazda on fire in Fotheringhay Road, in the town, on 19 February.

Northamptonshire Police said he suffered substantial burns in the incident and caused £5,500 in damage.

He pleaded guilty to arson with intent to endanger life and was sentenced to three years and 10 months in prison on Monday.

James also admitted possession with intent to supply Class A drugs, and possession of Class B drugs.

The blue Mazda car was set on fire in Fotheringhay Road, Corby

When he was later arrested at his caravan, police said they found just under £10,000 worth of cocaine as well as a quantity of cannabis.

PC Jarrod Staughton said: "I hope this result reassures our local communities and demonstrates the skills of their local response officers too."