The North Devon Journal
NORTH DEVON, England — A 29-year-old North Devon man has admitted torching a house in Bideford.
Samuel Oates appeared at Exeter Crown Court where he pleaded guilty to arson, being reckless as to whether life was endangered.
The terraced property in South View Terrace, Bideford, was set ablaze in January and three people had to be rescued by firefighters.
Defence barrister Richard Crabb said: “He set fire to a multi-occupancy dwelling house which was badly damaged.
“He was drunk and inhaling lighter fuel and has no memory.”
Judge Francis Gilbert QC said he would adjourn the sentencing until pre sentence and psychiatric reports are prepared which examine how dangerous Oates is.
Homeless Oates, whose last address was Church Lane in Barnstaple, was remanded in custody and will be sentenced on October 19.
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