A WOMAN who is accused of causing more than £11,000 of damage to a sheltered housing block in Basingstoke by setting fire to it has appeared at crown court.
Veronica Theart, of Radstock Road, Southampton, allegedly committed arson at Roland House, in Cliddesden Road, on July 3, 2021.
The building, belonging to the care home provider Abbeyfield Society, was reportedly damaged to the value of more than £11,831.88.
Theart is additionally accused of a further attempted arson offence at homeless hostel May Place on August 28, 2021, in which it is alleged she tried to damage property by setting fire to it.
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The 64-year-old appeared at Winchester Crown Court on Wednesday (August 17) speaking only to confirm her name.
Graham Gilbert, defending, told the court that a psychiatric report of Theart is in the process of being produced, and will be available by October 21. Therefore, the defendant could not enter pleas.
Judge Jane Miller set a provisional trial date of March 27, 2023, and said that a further hearing would be set for seven days after receipt of the doctor’s report.
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She added that additional reports would be required from all of Theart’s housing providers - the two linked with the offences and her current address.
Theart has been given unconditional bail until the next hearing at crown court.
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