Wellingborough crack addict admits setting fire to Mill Road house

A man who has a long history of offending to pay for his drug habit has admitted starting a fire at a house in Wellingborough.

Carl Loasby 42, appeared before Northampton Crown Court yesterday (Friday, May 14) to admit one count of arson.

He pleaded guilty to the offence that happened on February 25 in a rented terraced house opposite the Hindu temple in Mill Road. Firefighters were called out to the blaze that was seen by many local residents who had to be evacuated from their homes.

The court heard that although the fire was serious, only one room suffered extensive damage in the blaze itself.

The case was adjourned for psychiatric reports to be compiled and Loasby will be sentenced next month before His Honour Judge Rupert Mayo.

Two years ago Loasby was made the subject of a criminal behaviour order after local police said he had been committing multiple offences every day and causing 'untold stress' to local residents and businesses.

He remains behind bars on remand.