A man who has admitted setting fire to cars parked in a County Durham town was today (Monday March 20) told to expect to receive, “a very long custodial sentence in due course”.

The warning was given to Paul Reay after he tendered guilty pleas to all ten counts of arson, being reckless as to whether life was endangered, arising from the torching of cars parked in Crook, in the early hours of Sunday February 12.

Residents in Milburn and Wilson streets were awoken by the sound of the cars burning, with bangs and explosions on the road just outside their homes.

The Northern Echo: Two of the parked cars set alight in Crook, in the early hours of February 12 this year Picture: THE NORTHERN ECHO Two of the parked cars set alight in Crook, in the early hours of February 12 this year Picture: THE NORTHERN ECHO (Image: THE NORTHERN ECHO)

Vehicles were burned out at the roadside despite attempts to quell the flames by some of the owners and the fire service.

Crook car fires: Paul Reay appears in court on arson charge

The defendant, who was arrested amid the investigation into the widespread fire-starting, was charged several days later and appeared before magistrates in Newton Aycliffe, on February 18.

He was remanded into custody and the case was committed to Durham Crown Court, where he appeared via video link from the city’s nearby prison today (March 20).

The 39-year-old defendant, of Chepstow Street, Millfield, Sunderland, admitted all ten counts.

The Northern Echo: Another car torched in wave of arson attacks in Crook early on Sunday February 12 Picture: THE NORTHERN ECHO Another car torched in wave of arson attacks in Crook early on Sunday February 12 Picture: THE NORTHERN ECHO (Image: THE NORTHERN ECHO)

Christopher Knox, representing the defendant, asked for preparation of a psychiatric report on his client prior to the case being sentenced.

He told the court the defence team has an expert in mind to prepare the report, which he said may take between eight and ten weeks to compile.

Read more: Paul Reay, from Sunderland, charged with arson after Crook car fires

Judge James Adkin said he would also like to have a report prepared by the Probation Service, prior to the sentencing hearing, specifically to address the, “dangerousness” thought to be posed by the defendant.

The judge asked for the psychiatric report to be with the court by Tuesday May 16, three days before the scheduled sentencing hearing.

Addressing Reay, Judge Adkin told him: “You have pleaded guilty to a number of serious charges and the next stage in the procedure is for you to be sentenced.

The Northern Echo: Further burned out car in Crook, early on Sunday February 12 Picture: CONTRIBUTORFurther burned out car in Crook, early on Sunday February 12 Picture: CONTRIBUTOR (Image: Contributor)

“The psychiatric report will look into any medical difficulties you may have.

“Make sure you keep any appointments that are made.

“I’ll sentence you on May 19. You should expect to receive a very long custodial sentence in due course.”

Read next:

               Man arrested on suspicion of setting fire to cars in Crook is bailed

               Suspected arsonist behind Crook car fires arrested in Sunderland

               Police launch arson investigation into Crook car fires

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The defendant was remanded to remain in custody until the sentencing hearing.

Speaking in the days after the incident, Detective Sergeant Claire Callaghan, of South Durham CID, said: “The innocent residents have understandably been left shaken by this horrific incident and officers across all departments have worked tirelessly on the investigation.

“I want to thank the residents for their patience whilst we carried out our inquiries.”