Man admits fire which put woman and young girl in danger
A 34-year-old man has admitted starting an early morning fire in a house with the intention of endangering the life of a woman and six year old girl who were inside the property at the time.
Daniel Watkins denied attempting to murder the pair, who cannot be identified for legal reasons, when he appeared at Wolverhampton Crown Court. The pleas were accepted by the prosecution.
The defendant from Smiths Close, Alcester, Warwickshire, pleaded guilty to recklessly committing arson when intending to destroy or damage a house in Chapelhouse Lane, Cradley, thereby endangering the life of the woman and child on June 3.
Mr Alwyn Jones, defending, explained that 'traits of the character' of Watkins required further investigation by a psychiatrist following an initial assessment.
The defendant was remanded in custody and will be sentenced at a later date.
Judge Amjad Nawaz told him: "You have pleaded guilty to two very serious charges and sentence has been adjourned while we await final reports."
The woman and child were rescued from the burning house after neighbours heard cries for help shortly before 2am.
One of those involved later explained: "Smoke was billowing out of the windows and my son went running went over the fence.
"We managed to get the child out of the window and then the police arrived. It was shocking, but I am so proud of my son for what he did and the action we took."
The aunt of the woman later said: "We are very grateful to the neighbours.
"They helped them to get out and are heroes in our eyes."
Matthew Smith, West Midlands Fire Service spokesman, said at the time: "One child and a woman were rescued by police and given precautionary checks before being taken to hospital suffering from smoke inhalation."
