A MAN has admitted starting a fire which damaged neighbouring homes, forcing an occupant to leap to his safety from a first floor window at one of the affected properties.

But Dominic Paul Graham may yet stand trial, following the blaze in the doorway of adjoining homes in Auckland, Chester-le-Street, on Saturday August 19.

It follows his appearance, via video link from Durham Prison, at a plea and trial preparation hearing at the city’s adjoining crown court.

He denied a charge of arson intending to damage property, with intent to endanger life or lives of others, but admitted arson being reckless as to whether property was damaged and lives of others were endangered.

A further denial was made to the possession of an offensive weapon, a knife, at the time.

Following the pleas, prosecuting counsel Robin Turton told the court: “This case will be reviewed, by the reviewing lawyer, but at first blush it doesn’t look like it would be acceptable to the Crown, given what was said at the time as to his motivation.”

Defence lawyer Lewis Kerr said evidence might be needed at trial from a fire expert, as an issue may be whether or not the defendant tried to put out the blaze, himself, having starting it, earlier.

The porch, doors and wheelie bins at the entrance were badly damaged, and a man in one of the properties took the decision to leap from a first floor window to his safety, due to the ferocity of the fire.

A hearing date was agreed should the case go to trial, and the 33-year-old defendant, of Auckland, was remanded to remain in custody until the opening day, on Wednesday February 7.