A MAN accused of torching the homes of two families - including one on Stockton's Benefits Street - has appeared in court.

Liam Mandeville is said to have set alight houses in Kingston Road, Tilery, and in Limetrees Close, in nearby Port Clarence.

Families in Kingston Road have been filmed for the second series of Benefits Street which follows people living on welfare.

It is expected to be aired in March, although a firm date has yet to be announced for the controversial Channel Four programme.

Mr Mandeville, 20, appeared at Teesside Crown Court via a live video-link from Holme House Prison in Stockton today (Monday).

He did not enter any pleas during the five-minute hearing and was remanded in custody until his next appearance in February.

His solicitor Martin Scarborough told Judge Peter Bowers that Mr Mandeville had "effectively made full admissions".

"He walked into a police station and admitted what he had done," Mr Scarborough said. "The issue will be his intention."

The lawyer said Mr Mandeville will plead guilty to two charges of arson being reckless as to whether life was endangered.

He will deny alternative counts of arson with intent to endanger life at the same properties, Mr Scarborough told the court.

A family of seven - including a disabled child - were forced to flee their home on Kingston Road following a fire in February.

The second allegation relates to an earlier blaze in Port Clarence, in November last year, Judge Bowers was told.

No application for bail was made by Mr Scarborough on behalf of Mr Mandeville, of St Catherine's Court, Hartlepool.

Mr Mandeville will appear for a plea and case management hearing on February 16, and a potential trial date has been set for early March.