A MAN has admitted recklessly starting a fire in a rear yard after looking for scrap metal to take in the early hours of the morning.

But a co-accused, who was also said to be seeking scrap metal, has denied a similar charge and is to stand trial on the contested matter, in September, after which his alleged accomplice will be sentenced.

The admissions and denials were made during a plea and trial preparation hearing at Durham Crown Court for defendants Gary Bell and Lee Morrow.

Both appeared via video link to the court from Holme House Prison, in Stockton.

Bell, 41, admitted two counts of arson being reckless as to whether life was endangered, after starting a fire which put potential risk to nearby residents, at Eden House, Horden, County Durham, in the early hours of Sunday May 21.

Co-accused Lee Morrow denied one similar charge, but admitted a separate count of interfering with a motor vehicle as part of the same series of events that morning.

A date was agreed for a two-day trial involving the 47-year-old defendant, of Sixth Street, Horden, starting at the court, on Monday September 25.

Judge Christopher Prince remanded him to remain in custody until the hearing, as was Bell, of Blackhills Road, Horden, who will be sentenced following the outcome of his co-accused’s trial.