A MAN charged in connection with a gas explosion that destroyed a Newport home will be sentenced next year after pleading guilty to arson.

William Flindell, aged 50, of no fixed abode, pleaded guilty to the charge ‘Arson being reckless as to whether life is endangered’ at Cardiff Crown Court today.

As the Argus previously reported, on April 2 this year an explosion ripped through a George Street property and adjacent buildings with one occupant taken to hospital with life-threatening injuries.

A jury was also directed to find Flindell not-guilty of a second charge, ‘arson with intent to endanger life’ due to a lack of prosecution evidence.

Judge Michael Fitton adjourned to allow for psychiatric and probation reports to be presented.

He also asked prosecuting counsel to present a valuation of the property damage and victim personal statements when the case returns to court.

Flindell will appear in court on January 16, 2017.