Richard Manuel Sturm, 33, attempted to set fire to the house of a former partner, a court heard on Tuesday.
Sturm, who pleaded guilty to arson in Whanganui District Court, became aggressive while outside the woman's house, threw cans, and then set fire to rubbish in a bin and put it on her porch.
She called the fire service and the fire was put out, and he was arrested by police.
Sturm has since moved to Rotorua, and lawyer Anna Brosnahan said he was getting counselling and support from his parents.
Judge Matheson said the fire was dangerous and could have harmed his nearest and dearest. Sturm was sentenced to 150 hours' community work and nine months' supervision.