A MAN has admitted setting fire to his house, which had two people inside.
Alexander Frood admitted arson being reckless as to whether his actions would endanger the lives of two people.
He appeared before Bradford Crown Court yesterday where two charges were put to him relating to an incident on January 18 this year at Oakes Avenue, Brockholes.
Frood, 46, pleaded not guilty to a charge of arson with intent to endanger two lives – named in court as Alistair Frood and Lexi Frood.
However, he admitted to the second charge of arson being reckless as to whether life was endangered.
The guilty plea to the second charge was accepted by the prosecution and Frood will be sentenced for that offence rather than stand trial for the first charge.
Frood was warned that a custodial sentence was inevitable.
The charges relate to an incident when Frood set fire to a pair of curtains at the property at Oakes Avenue.
The fire spread to a window sill, surrounding carpet and a door frame.
No-one was badly injured in the blaze at the Kirklees Council property.
The case was adjourned until May 6 for sentencing with the judge, His Honour Judge Goss, asking for full reports.
The judge told Frood: “As the prosecution accept the count two guilty plea there is no need for a trial in relation to count one.
“A prison sentence will be open to the judge on the occasion of sentencing and, as I’m sure you realise, this is a very serious offence where custody is almost inevitable – I do not wish to give you a false hope in this.”
Frood was released on conditional bail.
