The court heard damage to the building had been “extensive”, with initial estimates put at £2.2m, but that insurance companies had already paid out over £3.3m related to the incident.
Sentencing Jakes, Judge Tracey Lloyd-Clarke said she had “questioned the prosecution as to why you haven’t been charged for a more serious offence” given the “reckless” nature of his actions and the damage caused.
She added Jakes, who was under the influence of drugs at the time, had acted “without thought for the risk you were causing”, or the vulnerable people who were affected.
Jakes, whom the court heard had an extensive criminal record, had previously pleaded guilty to one count of arson.
He was sentenced to one year and four months, at least half of which will be served in custody, and ordered to pay costs of £187.