Man set fire to own home in suicide attempt (From Swindon Advertiser)

Man set fire to own home in suicide attempt

10:00am Thursday 27th September 2012 in News

A 33-year-old man has admitted setting fire to his council flat home in a bid to end his own life.

David Jones pleaded guilty to a charge of arson being reckless as to whether life was endangered when he appeared at Swindon Crown Court.

He started the blaze at his home, which is owned by the borough council, in Crawford Close, Freshbrook, on June 14.

Rob Ross , defending, said: “Bearing in mind the background to the case, and the medical issues involved, I took the precaution of instructing a psychiatrist.”

Judge Douglas Field adjourned the case to October 12, to allow the probation service and psychiatrist time to compile their reports and remanded Jones into custody.

Police and fire appliances were called to the first-floor flat shortly after midday, but the apartment’s resident had been rescued before they arrived. It is thought a 70-year-old neighbour pulled the man to safety before firefighters put out the blaze.