AN arsonist set fire to a rag and threw it into his partner's flat after an argument, a court heard.

Jacob Coleman was told to expect a "substantial custodial sentence" by Judge Timothy Clayson after pleading guilty to arson during a short hearing at Bolton Crown Court.

He will be sentenced on February 15.

The Bolton News reported how firefighters and police launched an investigation following an early morning attack at a flat in Dingle Walk, at about 3.30am on July 29.

Bolton Crown Court was told that Coleman, aged 25, was in a "tempestuous on-off relationship" with Georgia Davies, and that the pair regularly argued.

Ms Davies lived at the flat but was not there at the time of the arson attack, as she was staying elsewhere following an earlier argument with Coleman.

At the time the emergency services said the blaze had destroyed the front room and kitchen of the flat, and caused smoke damage.

Defending Coleman, Mark Friend told the court that Coleman went to the flat that night with a friend after the pair had been out.

He said: "Mr Coleman went to the flat with a friend after they had been out and had been drinking heavily.

"An argument developed, with some pushing and shoving and a slanging match, for want of a better phrase. A window was also smashed.

"The defendant then threw a rag through the window into a flat."

Mr Friend said the blaze was in a ground floor flat, and that luckily it did not spread to other flats.

He said: "One of the flats above was occupied and another was not, but it was a dangerous situation."

Coleman, of Shepherd Cross Street, Halliwell, pleaded guilty to committing arson and being reckless as to whether the life of another would be endangered.

Judge Clayson told the court that an extended sentence could be imposed at the sentencing hearing, because he was "worried" by Coleman's previous criminal record.

Addressing Coleman, the judge said: "You must expect a substantial custodial sentence for this offence, which will be decided on by the presiding judge."