A Canberra man who set himself alight while lighting a neighbour's front door on fire during a dispute over loud music, has been spared jail by the ACT Supreme Court.
Taylor Jones, 28, pleaded guilty to arson, common assault and possessing an offensive weapon.
The court heard the dispute arose when Jones had asked his neighbour to turn down the bass.
The incident was caught on CCTV as Jones went up to the door several times, finally with an aerosol can, which he punctured and set on fire.
The flames touched the door and set Jones's pants on fire as the dispute continued.
The court heard in the wake of the incident Jones was forced to leave his home and live elsewhere, where he could not keep his three dogs.
Justice David Mossop told the court having good neighbours could be a good thing.
"Having bad neighbours can be awful," Justice Mossop said.
"However the law does not allow for arson as a solution to having bad neighbours."
Justice Mossop acknowledged reports Jones was suffering from a major depressive disorder at the time.
He said his actions were driven by an adverse environment, and he was at the end of his tether.
"There appeared to me to be a degree of fragility in his circumstances," Justice Mossop said.
Jones has already spent 17 days in custody.
He was sentenced to a total of 57 days in jail, but the remaining 40 days were suspended.
Jones will also serve a six-month good behaviour order.
