A SOLDIER trying to get high by setting fire to boot polish sparked a blaze at his barracks.
L/Cpl David Thomas, 28, got disorientated after sniffing the fumes and dropped the burning tin before wandering off, a court martial heard.
A common room sofa and carpet caught fire.
Bulford Military Court, Wilts, heard that the incident took place in nearby Tidworth Garrison in January 2020 when LCpl Thomas decided to get high using the polish.
Thomas admitted arson causing £1,600 damage at Tidworth garrison, Wilts, and has been kicked out of the Army.
Defending, Andrew Stone told the court martial LCpl Thomas had found a new job at a garage and was looking forward to starting a new life outside of the military.
He got an 18-month community order at Bulford military court but will not pay compensation as he has “little more than £10 to his name”.
