THE flat fire that killed two young jockeys in Ryedale was a "revenge" attack by a spurned party guest, a jury heard today.

Peter Wiliam Brown, 37, appeared at Leeds Crown Court this morning for the start of his double-murder trial, accused of killing apprentice jockeys Jamie Kyne, 18, and Jan Wilson, 19, in Norton last September.

Richard Mansell, QC, opening the case for the prosecution, told the jury that Brown had previoulsy threatened to torch the building in Buckrose Court, Norton, after falling out with the residents of Flat 4.

Mr Mansell said that on the night of September 4, a party was being held at Flat 4. He said Brown, who had reportedly been drinking and had taken cocaine, in the evening, asked if he could come in but was refused.

The prosecution allege that he had spent some time drinking in local pubs, brooding. They say he returned to the flats in the early hours of September 5 and, it is alleged, set fire to some rubbish piled up in a stair well, possibly using white spirit to accelerate it.

Due to the design of the stairs, the fire quickly spread. Fire alarms activated but by that time many residents were trapped and had to jump for their lives from windows or climb down drainpipes.

Jan Wilson and Jamie Kyne were in Flat 5 on the second floor. Miss Wilson was last seen screaming at the window. Both jockeys were found dead in the flat. They had been killed by smoke inhalation and burns.

Brown, whose address was given as School Croft in Brotherton, denies all charges and the trial continues.