A MAN who began a fire which caused the evacuation of a guest house and hostel was warned to expect a probable prison sentence.

It followed Robert Wilkinson’s admission that he was responsible for starting the blaze which damaged the Albert Guest House, in Shotton Colliery, County Durham, last month.

Police and fire officials launched an inquiry to pinpoint the cause of the blaze which led to the late night evacuation of the former care home, on January 17.

The fire caused extensive damage to rooms on the first floor of the hostel, where the blaze was believed to have been started.

But the rest of the building was left smoke-logged following the incident, which, at its height, was attended by six fire crews from across the county.

The alert was raised at about 10.50pm, on what was a Saturday night, when alarms sounded as fire took hold in a first floor bedroom.

Firefighters from nearby Peterlee station were quickly on the scene, but on arrival flames were seen emerging from bedroom windows.

Several residents had already been brought from the home, between Front Street and Windsor Place, but firefighters wearing breathing apparatus led four others to safety from rooms.

All were taken to hospital for treatment for various levels of smoke inhalation.

Other residents present that night were put up in alternative accommodation provided by the home owner.

A joint police and fire investigation looked into the cause and it led to Wilkinson’s arrest.

He appeared at Peterlee Magistrates’ Court days later and he was remanded in custody as the case was sent to Durham Crown Court.

On the first listing at crown court defence counsel Chris Morrison said the indictment could be put to 21-year-old Wilkinson, who is described as of no fixed abode.

He pleaded ‘guilty’ to a charge of arson, being reckless as to whether life was endangered at the guest house, on January 17.

Robin Turton, prosecuting, said that plea was considered “acceptable” to the crown as opposed to the original, more serious count, of arson with intent to endanger life.

It is understood the fire began after Wilkinson set light to a mattress with a cigarette.

Mr Morrison asked for sentence to be adjourned pending preparation of reports on Wilkinson by a psychologist or psychiatrist and the probation service.

Recorder Simon Batiste agreed and said a psychiatric report on Wilkinson would benefit the court, but warned the defendant it would be would be a likely custodial sentence.

Wilkinson was remanded in custody to be sentenced at the court on April 10.