Nottingham Crown Court heard that Levi Pemberton (19), of Potters Hollow, pushed burning paper through the letterbox of John Rowe's home.
Problems started on Friday February 15 when the defendant hit Mr Rowe in the face in an "immature reaction" t
o the victim's relationship with Pemberton's mother.
The police were informed of the attack.
But things escalated six days later when Pemberton went to Mr Rowe's home, scratched the bonnet of his car and then committed the arson.
Prosecutor Jim Metcalf told the court that Mr Rowe smelt burning at about 11 pm.
"He went to try and discover where the smell was coming from," added Mr Metcalf.
"He heard a knock at the door and heard the defendant say he was outside and was going to damage the car.
"The defendant said he would wait all night if necessary.
"John Rowe was fearful for his safety and called police."
Officers arrived and discovered damage to the car and burn marks left by the fire, although there was no serious damage.
The court heard that Pemberton had been released from a short custodial sentence before he lashed out at Mr Rowe on February 15.
He went to his mum's house where Mr Rowe was present. There was an argument between the couple and Pemberton intervened and struck Mr Rowe.
After the arson attack, Pemberton admitted he had warned Mr Rowe to stay away from his mother.
Judge Dudley Bennett sentenced Pemberton to 18 months in youth custody after he pleaded guilty to common assault, arson and criminal damage.
The judge said: "It appears to be a deliberate revenge-attack. You assaulted someone for no good reason and then pushed these lighted papers through the letterbox by way of revenge.
"There wasn't much damage but it could have turned out very differently."
The full article contains 330 words and appears in Hucknall Dispatch newspaper.
