A man who repeatedly sets fires has been sent back to prison after starting a blaze at a building in the city centre.

David James, who is 64 years old and has no fixed home, comes from Abergavenny. He began a fire by setting light to a window at Market Chambers on St Mary Street in Cardiff during the preceding month.

Following the court case, he was found guilty of the crime committed on March 31.

The defendant insisted he had done nothing wrong.

James was handed a seven-month prison sentence at Cardiff Magistrates’ Court.

The previous November, he had already received a prison term for similar behaviour involving setting fire to a bin located behind Newport Market.

On that earlier occasion, he started the blaze in the early hours of Thursday, March 27, 2025.

The defendant was captured on camera carrying out the act and was arrested after an officer recognised him. When he appeared at Cardiff Crown Court three days later, he was still wearing the same distinctive coat, the court was told.

He caused £900 worth of damage to windows at Newport Market, with a further £200 needed to secure them with boards.

The defendant was convicted of arson by a jury following a trial.

Tim Naylor, for the prosecution, explained that James’s criminal behaviour was made worse by the fact it happened while he was subject to a suspended prison sentence for similar offences.

He was convicted of two counts of arson after setting cardboard alight on Queen Street and Station Road in Cardiff.

The defendant was also convicted of arson after lighting a fire near Abergavenny bus station in 2023.

James had 42 previous convictions covering 70 offences in total, Mr Naylor said.

His solicitor Emma Harris told the court that her client had suffered the tragic death of his daughter and the breakdown of his marriage, which left him without a home.

He understands the danger involved in starting fires, she said.

The court has been given no explanation for these actions.

Judge Shomon Khan told James that a prison sentence was required.

The reason for your actions remains a mystery to everyone – it makes no sense – even though it was a deliberate act.

The jury had no doubt about their verdict.

You showed complete disregard for whether property would be destroyed.

The defendant was sentenced to 12 months imprisonment for the Newport Market incident, and Judge Khan activated the full six-month suspended sentence to run consecutively.

James will consequently serve 18 months in custody.