A man who set himself on fire in May told the court yesterday that he did it because he didn't want to return to prison.

Kevin Alveranga, who was on probation at the time of the incident, pleaded guilty to arson in the Corporate Area Resident Magistrate's Court.

Allegations are that on the day of the incident the police were called to quell a dispute between Alveranga and other family members. When they arrived at the location it is claimed that the accused man was naked.

Alveranga, who resides in the Hughenden community, was ordered by the police to get dressed. It is further alleged that the accused man went into the house and set the building on fire. He then ran from the house with burns on his hands and back.

The accused was held by the police three days later. He was taken to the Spanish Town Hospital for treatment under police guard.

Alveranga, in his explanation to the court, told Resident Magistrate Judith Pusey that it was because he was being mistreated by his family and was depressed why he lit the fire.

Pusey ordered a social enquiry into the matter and indicated that Alveranga should come back to court on July 24 for sentencing.