A man from East Lancashire has appeared in court in relation to two arson charges.

Robert Kavanagh, 40, of Further Clough Head, Nelson, was to be sentenced for two counts of arson with intent to danger life.

Kavanagh has been in custody for several months, until he appeared at Preston Crown Court yesterday (Tuesday, July 9) and spoke only to confirm his name.

Preston Crown Court heard how Kavanagh maintains his account of defence that will be heard by the public next month. 

Part of his mitigation may include his 'success' as working as an orderly on the hospital prison wing for the last seven months.

Kavanagh's defence barrister Rachael Woods told the court: "He accepts he knew what he was doing and there was a risk of exposing others by his actions."

Judge Sara Dodd adjourned the sentencing until Thursday, August 22, in order for Kavanagh's defence to obtain more detail from his doctor for his mental heath records in the pre-sentence report.

Kavanagh will now be sentenced on August 22 at Burnley Crown Court, with Stephen Parker prosecuting.