'˜Blind drunk' arsonist admits setting blaze

Robert Masterman, 19, appeared at Portsmouth Crown Court.

He pleaded guilty to arson reckless as to life endangered. It comes after a fire at Mengeham Rythe Sailing Club, in Hayling Island, on August 4.

Howard Barrington-Clark, for Masterman, said: ‘He is of previous good character.

‘He became blind drunk and was reckless in the extreme.

‘I don’t believe anyone has identified any fire-setting tendencies.’

Judge Claudia Ackner adjourned the case for pre-sentence and psychiatric reports. Addressing Masterman, she said: ‘This is a very serious offence.’

Masterman, of Grove Heath North, Surrey, is due in court on March 31.