A 34-year-old tried to douse himself in petrol and set himself on fire alongside his "best friend in the world."

Bradley John Kelly's actions were described by magistrates as a "potential danger to the public" and he was given a 18 week jail term suspended for 12 months.

Prosecutor Mr Peter Kelly explained how a man was spotted by a staff member at the Shell Lakeland Garage, Abbey Road, Barrow, at about 2.15am on November 25.

He said: "The male, who was not the defendant, was seen to go up to pump number three. He lifted up the nozzle and started to use it to pour petrol over himself. He wasn't that successful as not very much was released.

"He then left and another male walked up to the same pump and also tried to pour petrol over his clothing but the same thing happened.

"The staff member was concerned for everyone's safety so called the police. When they arrived the defendant told them he was going to set himself on fire.

"He had a pink lighter and told the police that if they didn't leave he would use it.

"Police sergeant Chris Bethell saw Mr Kelly sat cross legged on the floor wearing a red jumper. He had dark hair and blood on his eyebrows. He had a lighter which he said he would use if they got any closer. Every time it went out he kept re-lighting it."

Mr Kelly said the officer managed to wrestle the defendant to the floor and he was arrested on suspicion of affray.

Kelly told police his friend had had an argument with his partner and threatened to kill himself. So he decided he was going to kill himself too.

Mrs Suzie Kavanagh defending said: "Essentially they had met in Dane Garth and he had bonded with him. He was his friend and he trusted him. He has no family or friends and has trust issues.

"He belived this man was a true friend. When he said he was going to kill himself he decided to so the same.

"This was his best friend in the world doing it so he decided to do it too.

"He is currently waiting to move to Carlisle but that has been delayed because of the flooding."

Kelly, who is currently a patient at Westmorland General, Burton Road, Kendal, pleaded guilty to using or threatening unlawful violence towards other persons when he appeared before Furness Magistrates' Court on Tuesday.

He was ordered to pay court costs of £85, a criminal court charge of £180 and a victim surcharge of £80.