By John Connell

Last updated at 09:13, Monday, 09 April 2012

A man falsely accused his ex-girlfriend’s partner of arson because he had “taken her away from him”.

Liam Mark Barnard, 26, of Hutton Way, Belle Vue, Carlisle, admitted sending a false message to police and wasting police time.

The court heard that Barnard “confessed” to an arson attack but then claimed that his ex-girlfriend’s partner had paid him £500 to start the blaze.

The man was then arrested as a result of Barnard’s claims which later turned out to be completely false.

Diane Jackson, prosecuting, said Barnard wanted to get his ex-girlfriend’s new partner into trouble for taking her away from him.

The court also heard that Barnard had been “really drunk” at the time and suffered from a personality disorder which made him behave rashly.

The court heard that Barnard came under a lot of stress when his four-year relationship ended and had turned to alcohol.

Judge Gerald Chalk said Barnard had led the police on a merry dance which resulted in a third party being arrested.

The case was adjourned for sentencing until May 3.

First published at 09:11, Monday, 09 April 2012
Published by http://www.newsandstar.co.uk