Man admits arson after fire at MP's office
The guilty plea was entered at Newcastle Magistrates' Court on the basis that it was reckless rather than intentional.
A 28-year-old man has admitted arson after a major fire at an MP's constituency office.
Joshua Oliver, of no fixed address, pleaded guilty to starting the fire which destroyed the premises of Sharon Hodgson, Labour MP for Washington and Gateshead South, which happened in the early hours of Thursday.
The guilty plea was entered at Newcastle Magistrates' Court on the basis that it was reckless rather than intentional.
The Crown did not accept that basis of plea.
The fire gutted the premises, as well as those of a small charity for people with very rare genetic diseases and an NHS mental health service for veterans which were based in the same building.
Oliver had been living in a tent nearby, the court heard.
District Judge Kate Meek remanded him in custody to appear at Newcastle Crown Court on October 14.