Man facing arson charge after fire at Newcastle student accommodation
by Sara Nichol · ChronicleLiveA man has appeared in court accused of arson after a fire at a block of Tyneside student flats.
Mackenzy Pasmore was alleged to have set light to a mattress, which didn't belong to him, inside a bedroom at the multiple-occupancy accommodation, in Newcastle, in the middle of the night. Fire crews attended the blaze on Monday, October 28, and the 19-year-old was arrested.
Pasmore, of Napier Crescent, in Scarborough, appeared in the dock in custody at the city's magistrates' court 24 hours later, where he faced one count of arson being reckless as to endanger life. Because of the seriousness of the charge, no plea was taken and the teen spoke only to confirm his name, date of birth and address.
Claire Armstrong, prosecuting, said: "The matter is indictable only, so I would invite you to send it to the crown court. The defendant is charged with arson being reckless as to whether life is endangered, which is said to have occurred in the early hours of the morning on Monday."
Liz Dunbar, defending, agreed that the matter needed to be sent to the crown court. Pasmore was remanded in custody to next appear at Newcastle Crown Court on November 27.
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