Man admits to arson after pub destroyed by fire

Image source, Clarice De Montfort

Image caption, The Green Man pub in Clophill was severely damaged by fire in December 2022
  • Author, Danny Fullbrook
  • Role, ΒιΆΉΤΌΕΔ News, Bedfordshire

A man has admitted to causing a fire that destroyed a pub shortly before Christmas.

The Green Man in Clophill, Bedfordshire, was severely damaged on 21 December 2022.

The building was evacuated and eight people were taken to hospital following the blaze, which broke out at 22:40 GMT.

At Luton Magistrates’ Court, Ian Chalmers, 66, pleaded guilty to a charge of arson with intent to endanger life. The Campton resident will be sentenced on 30 April.

Image source, Jane Errick

Image caption, Eight people were taken to hospital after the blaze

Tony Button, 48, from Kempston, pleaded not guilty to arson with intent to endanger life.

He will stand trial on 20 June.

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