A man has appeared in court accused of torching a Thame flat.

Alessandro Fanni, 31, admitted setting fire to the flat in Upper High Street on August 15 being reckless as to whether life was endangered – but denied setting the fire intending to risk the lives of others.

Appearing in the dock at Oxford Crown Court on Friday afternoon, Fanni, of Russett Avenue, Carterton, pleaded guilty to reckless arson but not guilty to a more serious charge of arson with intent to endanger life.

Judge Michael Gledhill QC adjourned the case to a hearing on October 12 and remanded the defendant in custody. A trial date was set for February 15 next year.

Jonathan Stone represented the Crown Prosecution Service at the short hearing. Richard Davies appeared for the defendant.

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