Man admits arson and affray
A MAN who committed arson and affray against his former girlfriend is facing jail.
Shafqaat Hussain pleaded guilty to committing arson at a salon on Blackburn Road in Accrington on July 10 this year with intent to destroy or damage the property and also being reckless as to whether the life of another man would be endangered.
The 26-year-old also pleaded guilty at Preston Crown Court to affray, dangerous driving on Queensborough Road in Accrington and driving while disqualified on April 28 this year.
Prosecutor Jeremy Grout-Smith said the victim in both offences was Hussain’s former girlfriend.
He told the court: “Those pleas are acceptable to the Crown. These are two separate offences both involving his former girlfriend.
“The more serious has to be the offence of arson.”
Mr Grout-Smith said Hussain pleaded guilty to the arson on a basis and he will be sentenced at Burnley Crown Court on December 8.
Shirlie Duckworth, defending Hussain, said the arson incident was committed while the defendant was on bail for the affray and driving offences.
She told the court: “A psychological report has been prepared in relation to the arson.
“The benefit of a pre-sentence being prepared by the probation service would be limited only to an assessment of dangerousness.
“It’s conceded that an immediate custodial sentence is inevitable in this case.”
Hussain, of Onslow Road, Stockport, was remanded into custody.