Man accused of endangering lives by starting fires in fuse box in his Ashington home
James Brown is alleged to have caused the blazes in September last year
by Sara Nichol · ChronicleLiveA man has appeared in court accused of recklessly endangering lives by starting fires in a fuse box in his Northumberland home.
James Brown is alleged to have lit the blazes at his then address in Ashington, which he tenanted and was owned by Advance Northumberland Homes. Prosecutors said that the cost of the damage, which the 26-year-old was suspected to have caused was unknown.
Brown, now of Woodhorn Drive, in Stakeford, appeared at Newcastle Magistrates' Court this week charged with two counts of arson with recklessness as to whether life was endangered. Because the offences could only be heard at the crown court, no pleas were taken during the hearing.
Stephen Davies, prosecuting, said Brown was alleged to have started the fires in the fuse box on September 9 last year. He added: "This is indictable only, the forms have been completed and I would ask for unconditional bail."
District Judge Paul Currer told Brown: "These offences are so serious that they cannot be tried here and they must be tried at Newcastle Crown Court. You will next appear there on November 13."
"The crown court is actually in the same building, just on the floors above us. You must attend at 10am when you will be invited to plead guilty or not guilty. Have a chat with your barrister about that before you go into court."
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