A MAN accused of burning down his own flat will face a crown court judge.

Appearing before Swindon Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday morning, Peter Cook, 59, of Norfolk Road, Salisbury, entered no pleas to charges of arson with intent to endanger life and arson with recklessness as to whether life was endangered.

Bearded Cook spoke only to confirm his name, address, date of birth and nationality.

It is said he set the fire that gutted his council flat on October 8. The flat is part of a block, which is home to a number of elderly residents.

Magistrates remanded Cook in custody for a plea and trial preparation hearing at Salisbury Crown Court on Wednesday, November 6.