A MAN tried to set fire to a homeless man before attacking him in a city car park last week.

Trevor John, of Eland Road, Croydon, attempted to set fire to the homeless man's sleeping bag as he sat inside it in the Maltings car park on January 30.

He then punched the man in the head several times.

John, aged 46, admitted causing actual bodily harm at Salisbury magistrates' court today after he was arrested on Saturday.

He was jailed for 18 weeks, plus a further 10 weeks for being found at an address he was not permitted to be at.

Inspector Pete Sparrow said: “John’s actions were completely unacceptable – after attempting to set fire to a man’s sleeping bag, he then punched him several times causing minor injuries which required hospital treatment.

“Behaviour of this nature will not be tolerated in our city and I am satisfied that he has been given a custodial sentence which will hopefully give him time to reflect on his actions.”