Man admits arson at mosque but denies trying to hurt anyone
Last updated 6 hours ago
A man has admitted setting fire to a mosque but denied trying to harm anybody.
Peacehaven Mosque in East Sussex was occupied and lights were on when a fire was allegedly started with accelerant on its front steps on the night of October 4.
On Friday, at the Old Bailey, Ricky Ryder pleaded guilty to a charge of arson that was reckless as to whether life was endangered.
Ryder, 38, of Seaford, pleaded not guilty to a charge of arson with intent to endanger life and two further charges of arson relating to the vehicles.
Jack Slowey, 34, of Peacehaven, pleaded not guilty to all four charges.
A case management hearing is set to take place at the Old Bailey on October 9, ahead of a trial that is set for December 1 at Kingston Crown Court.