A SHOP worker launched a campaign of abuse against his boss after he was sacked for appearing drunk at work.

Rajesh Patel, aged 44, was arrested after he was caught lighting paper against his former boss’s car.

Bolton Crown Court heard that Patel had repeatedly targeted Parbat Pindoria after he lost his job because he had turned up at work appearing to be drunk.

Patel, of Rishton Lane, Great Lever, went to Mr Pindoria’s home in Great Lever and poured methylated spirits on the car bonnet but did not light the fluid.

He returned on October 3 and moved a wheelie bin, which woke his victim.

Patel returned the next evening and set light to paper, which he put near the petrol tank of Mr Pindoria’s car.

He left but returned to try to confront his former employer - at which point, Mr Pindoria’s neighbour came out of the house and hit Patel, the court heard yesterday.

Police found Patel nursing a bloody nose and he was remanded in custody.

Patel, who admitted harassment against Mr Pindoria, was sentenced to a community order with six months supervision, an alcohol treatment requirement and was ordered to comply with a curfew to remain at his home between 8pm and 6am for four months.

A restraining order, banning Patel from contacting the victim or going to his address for two years, was also made.