A man doused the roof of a house with petrol and threatened to burn the place down after he discovered a spoon used to cook drugs, a court heard yesterday.

The accused, Vincent Cassar, 59, from Żabbar got into the argument with his partner’s son, Redent Thorton, after he made the discovery at the couple’s house last Sunday.

He flew into a rage, grabbed a jerry can of petrol, went up to the roof, poured out the petrol and threatened to set the house on fire, Police Inspector Robert Said Sarreo said.

During his arraignment yesterday, Mr Cassar pleaded not guilty to trying to set fire and cause damage to the residence.

He also denied threatening Mr Thorton and his mother Maria.

Magistrate Miriam Hayman remanded him in custody despite the inspector stating that he did not object to the granting of bail.

Lawyer Joe Brincat appeared for Mr Cassar.