A WEST Cumbria armed forces veteran deliberately set fire to an occupied former Maryport vicarage with the intention of endangering life.

Stephen Light, 49, pleaded guilty to the charge of arson 'with intent to endanger life' during a hearing at Carlisle Crown Court.

He also admitted breaching a restraining order and attempting to cause criminal damage on a different date.

The defendant committed the arson offence on June 13, setting fire to the former Netherton Vicarage in Church Terrace. The blaze was discovered at 11pm and the building’s occupants were safely evacuated.

No person was injured during the blaze – described by one eyewitness as 'huge'. Though there were dogs in the building when the fire was discovered, one could not be rescued and died at the scene.

In court, Light, of Main Road, High Harrington, Workington, spoke only to confirm his details and to enter his guilty pleas.

His defence barrister, Peter Wilson, said that Light suffers from 'significant' mental health issues.

“They stem from his time in the armed forces,” said Mr Wilson. “He has PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder), and he often hears people speaking to him who are not there.”

The defendant breached a restraining order, the court heard, by entering Fountains Avenue in Workington on July 14, despite a court having prohibited this. The attempted criminal damage offence, committed on the same day, involved a window.

Judge Richard Archer said the arson offence meant there would have to a psychiatric report on Light. Setting the sentencing date as September 28, the judge said dthe report should consider what risk the defendant poses.

It should also examine what motivated his offending, said the judge.

The Judge told Light: “You have pleaded guilty to both sets of allegations against you. I order a pre-sentence report. It is very much in your interests to cooperate with the probation and psychiatric reports.”

He remanded Light in custody until his sentencing.

Times and Star: Fire crews deal with the blaze

Fire crews were called out to the house fire at around 11pm on June 13, the four people inside already having already been evacuated. Speaking at the time, one eyewitness said: “It was a huge fire...

“I was speaking to a fireman who said that the roof was caving in, and it looked like the building would have to be demolished. Three dogs came running out, I managed to get hold of one of them, but I understand there is still one missing."

Police confirmed that the defendant was treated at Whitehaven’s West Cumberland Hospital for smoke inhalation and minor injuries.