A FIRESTARTER who sparked panic in an East Lothian town after a string of late night vehicle blazes has been jailed for 20 months after it ws revealed he set a camper van alight while its owner slept inside.

Euan Walker, 29, admitted setting fire to a number of cars during a five-day spree in Fisherrow in Musselburgh, in March.

Edinburgh Sheriff Court heard in one of the incidents, Walker set a van alight in Mall Avenue while its owner Damian Wiowski slept inside.

He also admitted setting vehicles ablaze in Cairds Row, Mountjoy Terrace, West Holmes Gardens, Eskside West and Ladywell between March 16 and March 20.

And he pled guilty to a further charge of untying a boat, The Sea Safari, which was moored at Musselburgh harbour.

His fire-raising spree led to extra police patrols being drafted into Musselburgh as residents voiced fears for their safety.

Many spoke of their concerns as the fires all took place late at night in the residential streets or in the early hours of the morning.

Walker was charged after two police officers caught him in the act.

Chief Inspector Matt Paden, East Lothian area commander, welcomed the court's decision to jail Walker for his crimes.

He said: "Walker's reckless behaviour put lives at risk and caused significant damage to people's property.

" It also caused the unnecessary use of emergency service resources, which could have been used elsewhere to help others. In response to these incidents being reported, increased patrols were put in place in the area and Walker was apprehended in the act by two officers.

We welcome this sentence and hope that it sets an example to others that this behaviour will not be tolerated by police or the courts."

Walker,Trinity Road, Edinburgh, appeared for sentencing at the court yesterday after previously pleading guilty to seven charges.

Defence advocate Lily Prais said her client had "an issue with drink and drugs" but was addressing the problems.

Ms Prais added the time Walker had spent in custody had been "a frightening and terrifying experience" and it had been "a real wake up call" for him.

Sheriff Fiona Tait was told Walker had shown genuine remorse about his fire spree and had been completely unaware there had been anyone in the camper van.

Walker pleaded guilty to setting fire to vehicles at Cairds Row, Mountjoy Terrace, West Holmes Gardens, Eskside West and Ladywell between March 16 and 20 this year.

He also admitted to setting fire to a motor van with the occupant still inside at Mall Avenue, Musselburgh, on March 20 this year.

A further guilty plea involved him recklessly untie the ropes to a boat moored at Musselburgh harbour causing it to drift out to sea on the same date.