Man set fire in Plymouth Salvation Army building putting lives at risk

A man has admitted he put other lives at risk by setting fire to a bathroom at a Salvation Army-owned building in Devonport. Tommy Williams, aged 30, appeared at Plymouth Crown Court this afternoon [November 25] via video link from HMP Guys Marsh.

He pleaded guilt to the single charge - arson with recklessness as to whether life was endangered. The court heard he set fire to a bathroom and fittings at the Red Shield House in Park Avenue - often known as the Lifehouse - which belongs to the Salvation Army.

Court documents show that the fire, set on January 14, 2023, caused £11,656.92 damage. The Salvation Army building is a described by the organisation as a "a 24 hour, 7 day a week supported residential, medium term accommodation solution for single 18+ males or females who are experiencing homelessness."

It adds that the "average length of stay is 18 months and we help residents to move on to more suitable accommodation."

Williams pleaded guilty to the single charge that he set the fire "intending to destroy or damage property or being reckless as to whether property would be destroyed or damaged and being reckless as to whether the life of another would be thereby endangered".

Prosecutor Paul Grumbar said Williams had been held on remand since February 2023 to which Judge Matthew Turner noted was because he was recalled to prison.

Judge Turner agreed that a psychiatric report needed to be carried out and adjourned sentencing to January 21, 2025.

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