A man who has admitted setting light to a domestic wheelie bin is to be assessed for perceived ‘dangerousness’ before being sentenced.

Malcolm Henry will be subject to updated psychiatric and Probation Service reports to consider the risk he is thought to pose of committing further similar offences.

It follows the 36-year-old defendant’s change of plea to a charge of arson being reckless as to whether property would be destroyed or lives endangered.

Henry, of Langdale Avenue, Crook, previously denied the charge, at a plea hearing at Durham Crown Court, on June 7.

A trial date was fixed for the case to be resolved, which was due to start at the court on October 26.

Read more: Boy, 14 arrested after wheelie bin fire at Stockton Council depot

But the case came back before the court today (Friday September 2), when the charge was put to the defendant again and he changed plea to guilty.

It relates to the setting light by fire of a bin at an address in Honister Square, Crook, on Sunday June 6, last year.

Following the guilty plea, Martin Towers, representing the defendant, told the court there is already a psychiatric report in place on Henry, but an update would be needed to assess his “risk” and the suitable disposal the court may consider in the case.

Mr Towers told the court: “Mr Henry has had some difficulties in his life, but he has been out of trouble for some time now.”

Judge Jo Kidd said she would also require preparation of a Probation Service report on Henry prior to the sentencing hearing.

Adjourning to allow the reports to be drawn up, Judge Kidd told the defendant: “The issue of dangerousness needs to be addressed as there have been two previous occasions when there have been fires.

Read more: Peterlee arson spree that 'endangered life' sees bins and cars torched

“The fact I’m adjourning your sentence for these reports shouldn’t be taken as any indication as to the likely sentence in this case.”

Judge Kidd bailed Henry to return to court to be sentenced on Friday, October 7.

Read next:

Fire service warns young people of dangers of setting wheelie bins alight

Middlesbrough charity shop gutted by fire after wheelie bin was deliberately set alight

Arson attacks on Darlington wheelie bins

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