A Colchester man accused of starting fires at two flats in which a cat, a chinchilla and some birds died has chosen not to give evidence during his trial.
Before Ipswich Crown Court is David Grothier, 49, of Chinook, Colchester, who has denied arson and attempted arson with intent to endanger life, and arson and attempted arson being reckless as to whether life would be endangered.
He is alleged to have set fire to flats occupied by Catherine Purchases and her son Jack Hymus in Gazelle Court, in Highwoods, Colchester, on March 26 this year killing a number of pets.
The court has heard the fire failed to take hold in Ms Purchases’ flat but her son’s home was badly affected and the pets died.
Giving evidence David Bates, who was at Grothier’s flat on March 26, claimed he heard Grothier threaten to start a fire at a flat occupied by a woman he had fallen out with, and then saw him go out with lighter fluid and two pieces of wood with tea towels taped to them.
The trial continues.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here