A BOY set fire to the home of a man accused of sexually assaulting him in Accrington, a court heard.

The 15-year-old, from Accrington, admitted arson at the house in Chester Street while the man who lived there was on remand charged with sexually assaulting him, Hyndburn youth court was told.

The boy, who was 14 at the time, admitted arson, two counts of burglary and possession of cannabis. The fire happened on March 22 and the other offences were committed the same week.

A second 15-year-old boy, from Clayton-le-Moors, who broke into the house with the arsonist admitted burglary after he stole items including a Jurassic Park video cassette. Charges of arson against him were withdrawn by the prosecution.

Graeme Parkinson, defending the boy from Clayton-le-Moors, said: "The background to this is that the boy from Accrington, who faces the more serious charges, has been the victim of sexual assaults by the aggrieved in this matter.

"What my client has done is go along with this other boy to the gentleman's house where he has stolen these items.

"At the time the aggrieved was in custody, on remand, charged with sexual assaults on the boy from Accrington."

Sentence on both 15-year-olds was adjourned for reports. Both were bailed on condition they do not associate except at school and do not go within 100 metres of the house in Chester Street.

A third boy, aged 14 and from Accrington, walked free from court after a charge of arson against him was also withdrawn.

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