A SUSPECT is set to appear before the crown court over a fire at a Wetherspoons pub in Runcorn.

William Morris is alleged to have started a fire at The Fery Boat pub on Church Street.

The 31-year-old, of Boston Avenue in Runcorn, recently appeared before Warrington Magistrates’ Court.

Here, he faced a charge of arson with recklessness as to whether life was endangered.

Robert Earl, representing the prosecution in the case, spoke of how the allegation dates to October 21 last year.

The particulars of the charge allege that he committed arson in that, without lawful excuse, he damaged by fire a bin shed, bins, metal cages and cask barrelled kegs to the value of £1,385.

These, the charge alleges, belonged to The Ferry Boat, and that Morris ‘intended to destroy or damage property, or was being reckless as to whether property would be destroyed or damaged, and being reckless as to whether the life of another would be thereby endangered’.

No plea was entered to the charge, and magistrates sent the case to Chester Crown Court.

A plea and trial preparation hearing has been listed to take place on December 19, with Morris remaining on conditional bail until then.