A Haywards Heath man has been jailed for nearly two years after starting fires inside a town centre restaurant.
Alan Burren, who is 48, formerly of America Lane, twice entered the KFC in South Road, where he set fires in the toilets during separate incidents.
He also damaged furniture at the nearby Premier Inn hotel.
Burren was sentenced to one year and eight months in prison.
Detective Inspector Lee Simmonds from Crawley CID said: “Burren’s actions were extremely reckless and put lives at risk.”
At Lewes Crown Court on July 25, he admitted two arson charges and a further criminal damage charge.
The court was told how the first incident happened on November 3 last year, with CCTV showing him entering KFC and going straight towards the toilets.
Moments later, Burren left the restaurant, without informing staff or raising the alarm about the fire.
On January 5 this year, he caused criminal damage to a room at the Premier Inn in Perrymount Road, including using a permanent marker on mirrors and sofas, and using cutting tools on furniture.
Then on March 10 this year he entered the KFC restaurant again, starting a fire in the toilets that was discovered by a member of the public.
Officers from Mid Sussex Response completed a search of the area and found Burren near Clair Park.
Following an investigation by detectives from Crawley CID, Burren was charged with two counts of arson with recklessness as to whether life was endangered, and one count criminal damage.
When arrested, he was also found in possession of cocaine, and was convicted for possession of a class A drug in a separate court hearing in June.
Following the case, Det Insp Simmonds added: “Burren’s behaviour put other people at risk and caused a great deal of concern in the community after the same restaurant was damaged twice in a matter of months.
“When Burren was arrested he was found wearing the same clothes as shown on CCTV footage, and smelled of smoke.
“Detectives carried out CCTV enquiries and we were able to link him to the first arson in November last year.
“It meant the evidence against Burren was so strong that he had no choice but to plead guilty to the offences.
“We are pleased that a potentially dangerous man is now serving a custodial sentence.”
Body found in search for man missing after Portsmouth boat crash
Constance Marten launches appeal bid over conviction
Eligible Arun residents urged to apply for Warm Home Discount
Don’t miss Chichester’s Emergency Services and Community Day
Former deputy PCC for Hampshire and IOW Terry Norton joins Reform
Six children arrested after an assault in Wish Park, Hove
Hailsham teenager back on a motorbike after crash thanks to charity support
It’s not too late to wing your way to WWT Arundel’s Dragonfly Festival
Lewes MP criticises devolution plans
West Sussex Fire and Rescue Service offers free electric blanket testing
On Air