Evesham man admits arson at Rooftop Housing property

Adam Rock, of Cowl Street, Evesham, admitted arson being reckless as to whether life was endangered when he appeared at Worcester Crown Court on Monday, (August 22).

The charge relates to an incident at a Rooftop Housing property in Cowl Street that was damaged by fire on February 27 this year.

COURT: Adam Rock appeared on videolink to Worcester Crown Court (Image: Hereford Times)

The 29-year-old, who appeared on videolink to courtroom 1, denied the more serious charge; arson with intent to endanger life, when that was put to him by the court clerk. 

Blundel Thompson, prosecuting, said they were requesting more time to determine whether his plea to the one count was sufficient, or if the prosecution would want to take the other matter to trial. 

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The barrister said they understood from a report that the defendant was suffering psychosis at the time of the offence, which they would also need to consider as part of the decision on whether the plea could be accepted.

Rebecca Da Silva, defending Rock, said the defence also wanted to provide to the court a report from a psychiatrist, with the possibility that would be completed this week.

At the end of the short hearing Judge Martin Jackson told Rock: "The prosecution need time to consider whether the pleas are acceptable.

"The case has been ready for trial for some time."

The case was adjourned until this Friday, (August 26).

The judge extended the custody time limit until September 30, which had been set to run out at the end of the month.