A MAN charged with arson after a house fire in West Moors has appeared before a judge.

Phillip Evans, of Ringwood Road in Three Legged Cross, has yet to enter a plea to a charge of arson reckless as to whether life was endangered and one of breaching a restraining order.

The charges follow a blaze in The Avenue on Tuesday, January 9.

Evans, 55, appeared at Bournemouth Crown Court via prison video link on Friday morning. Judge Nicholas Atkinson QC heard a psychiatric report has not yet been prepared, and the hearing was adjourned for a fortnight.

The judge told Evans: “You saw a psychiatrist this week, as I understand it.

“I am going to accede to a request to adjourn for two weeks.

“I don’t want to keep putting this off. It’s a serious matter.”

However, he said it was important Evans was “fully advised” before entering any pleas.

“You have clearly been under a great deal of stress and strain in recent times,” Judge Atkinson said.

The plea and trial preparation hearing will take place on Thursday, March 22.

Around 25 firefighters tackled the blaze, which left the property gutted. Crews from five stations across Dorset and Hampshire were called to the scene, along with police and paramedics.