* The case against Mr Ransom did not proceed to trial after the Crown offered no evidence.

 

A SON accused of dousing the top floor of his mother’s house in petrol and threatening to burn it down while she was inside will not be allowed to return home after denying the offence.

Ben Ransom, 21, of Marks House, appeared at Swindon Magistrates' Court on Wednesday in front of a district judge, who asked the Crown Prosecution Service if they would like to amend the charges.

Mr Ransom’s mother, Julie, has issued a retraction of an earlier statement given to police in which she alleged her son had poured petrol over the top floor of her property, in Cricklade Road.

It is said that on January 25, Mr Ransom had made threats to his mother that he would ignite the petrol, and that she feared he would have completely destroyed the house.

Nick Barr, for the prosecution, said no amendment would be made to the charge and the Crown would be seeking a conviction on the matter.

Mr Ransom will now appear at Swindon Crown Court ahead of a trial, with his mother as a witness for the prosecution despite her wish to dismiss the case.

Mr Worthington, defending Mr Ransom, told the court all parties were keen to reconcile.

“The alleged threat in the charge is to Julie Ransom, and she has not given a statement to the police where she mentions any threat," he said.

"She clearly wishes to stand by her son and does not wish these offences to proceed. She has issued a retracting statement to the police already.

“What he would like to say is he would really like to reflect on what has happened and to make it clear this was completely out of character for him. That said, he will get the opportunity to speak to the court when this goes to trial.

“Mr Ransom is very keen to go back to the address, which is unlikely considering she is a prosecution witness in this matter.

“I know Mr Ransom and the defendant are very keen to reconcile and for him to be back at this address.”

Nick Barr, prosecuting, told the court: “There are four conditions on his bail, including to live and sleep at an address in Haydon End and not to go to Cricklade Road in Swindon.

“He is to report to Gablecross every Friday from 6pm to 8pm and not to contact Julie Ransom directly or indirectly.”