A CARLISLE man has appeared before a court charged with arson, allegedly causing property damage costing thousand of pounds.

Lee Beaty, 40, of Loughrigg Terrace, faces two allegations.

The first is that, on November 12 last year, he damaged a Riverside Housing property by fire, causing damage that cost £1,000 to put right, being reckless of whether life was endangered.

The second charge is arson, allegedly committed on January 21 when the defendant allegedly caused a fire at Lyndhurst Gardens, Carlisle, again being reckless as to whether life was endangered.

The city’s Rickergate Magistrates Court heard that this offence can only be dealt with by a crown court and the case was sent there for a hearing on November 18.

Beaty was granted unconditional bail until then.