£28K MINI TORCHED

Man admits setting fire to car of girlfriend’s cousin

AN ex-drug user’s “new chapter” in his life went up in flames – when he set fire to a £28,000 Mini belonging to his girlfriend’s cousin.

Dylan Jones appeared in custody before a court at Llandudno, bearing marks to his forehead from destroying the car on Sunday.

Jones, 46, pleaded guilty to arson at Cae Bold, Caernarfon, where he lived.

Prosecutor James Neary said the Mini owner Tracy Jones and the defendant’s partner had travelled from Machynlleth to Caernarfon.

They intended to help Jones move his belongings to Machynlleth and stayed at a Caernarfon hotel.

But during an evening out he asked for the keys to the 2017-registered Mini Countryman vehicle.

Later the fire brigade had been called by a member of the public to the blaze.

Seeking bail until Jones is sentenced at Caernarfon crown court next month, defence solicitor Dafydd Roberts said: “This was supposed to be a new chapter in this defendant’s life. He is due to have an interview with an agency for factory work. Why he did what he did is something for which he can’t give a great explanation. He says it was a completely stupid thing to do, something he very much regrets.”

Mr Roberts said Jones previously had a drug problem.

District judge Gwyn Jones remanded the defendant in custody.