Man in court accused of starting major fire at his Plymouth home

John Dangerfield, aged 49, faced a judge charged with arson at the house in Mount Gould last month

A man has appeared in court accused of starting a fire which badly damaged his Plymouth home.

John Dangerfield, aged 49, faced a judge charged with arson at the house in Mount Gould last month.

Three fire crews were called to Ladysmith Road following reports of a severe fire in a front room just after 8am on November 4.

Dangerfield appeared at Plymouth Crown Court over the videolink from prison accused of arson reckless as to whether life was endangered.

No plea was taken.

Michael Brown, for Dangerfield, said a psychiatric report was needed.

Judge Paul Darlow set down a trial to start on April 14 next year.

He remanded Dangerfield into custody pending an interim hearing on March 16.

Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service said at the time that the ground floor of the terraced house was damaged by fire and the rest of the property by smoke.

Dangerfield was arrested soon afterwards.

Ladysmith Road was closed but reopened at around 9.25am. Neighbouring homes were not damaged nor evacuated.