Widow's complaint sparked arson raid by pianist

A CONCERT pianist who tried to burn down an elderly former neighbour's cottage after she complained about his classical music marathons was placed on probation for three years yesterday.

Reading Crown Court was told that Jonathan Farr, 42, a member of the Royal Academy of Music, put a petrol-soaked rag through the letterbox of Elizabeth Rowe's home 'to frighten her'.

Mrs Rowe, 79, had to flee when she woke in the night to find the electricity supply cut off and an armchair ablaze at her home in Amersham, Buckinghamshire, last June. The court was told Farr, of Chesham, Buckinghamshire, was a manic depressive who had been refused admission to hospital the day before the attack. Farr admitted arson. He was ordered to pay pounds 350 costs, continue to take medication and not contact Mrs Rowe.