A MAN who started fires to the rear of his rented home was told he could be facing a prison sentence.

The warning was given to Terence James Hester after he admitted a charge of arson being reckless as to whether life was endangered during a short hearing at Durham Crown Court.

It relates to an incident attended by police and firefighters at Hester’s former home, in Saxon Terrace, Consett, at 4.25pm on May 4.

Kitchen units from the premises and wheelie bins were found alight just behind the house, posing a risk of it potentially spreading to both that and a neighbouring property.

Paul Currer, for Hester, asked for preparation of a background report on the defendant by the Probation Service, before he is sentenced.

“We already have a psychiatric report because he has a long standing problem with alcohol dependency.”

Agreeing to the request, Recorder Simon Phgillips told Hester: “You’ve pleaded ‘guilty’ to this serious offence on the indictment.

“All sentencing options, including the possibility of custody, will be considered when you return for sentence.”

Recorder Phillips bailed 24-year-old Hester, now of Constance Street, Consett, to return for sentence on Wednesday October 28.