A 48-year-old man from Ottery St Mary has appeared at Exeter Crown Court accused of setting light to an NHS worker’s car in a supermarket car park.
Alan Burstow appeared by video link from Exeter Prison and his case was adjourned by Judge Timothy Rose until August 12 to allow time for a mental health assessment.
Burstow, of Church View, Ottery St Mary, is accused of arson. He is alleged to have set light to a Peugeot 207 in the Sainsbury car park in Ottery on May 25 this year.
Rachel Smith, defending, said there may be an issue of whether Burstow is mentally fit to plead.
Judge Rose remanded Burstow in custody and set a provisional trial of November 28 this year.
The car was owned by NHS worker Tracy Elliott and colleagues at the Royal Devon and Exeter started a fundraiser to help her replace it after the fire.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here