Luke French denies endangering life after fire at Medway hospital
17:55, 08 October 2018
updated: 17:56, 08 October 2018
A man accused of starting fires in bins at Medway hospital will admit arson, a court heard.
But Luke French denies he was being reckless as to whether life was endangered.
The 28-year-old, of Peregrine Drive, Sittingbourne, was arrested after industrial bins close to medical equipment were torched on the evening of September 5.
French has also been charged with “simple” arson involving a bin in Rope Walk, Chatham, on the same evening.
He was due to appear at Maidstone Crown Court on Friday by TV link with Elmley Prison, but Judge Julian Smith was told he had returned to his wing.
Tom Stern, defending, said there was acceptance of the two arson charges, but an issue was whether the aggravated form of the hospital offence was made out.
There will be a hearing to determine the issue in the two-week period beginning February 25 next year.
Mr Stern added there was a history of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).
Prosecutor Dale Sullivan said there was CCTV evidence to put before the court.
