Tipton arsonist admits setting fire to contents of woman's living room whilst wielding an illegal black baton

Brandon Smith, 32, appeared at Wolverhampton Crown Court on Wednesday charged with arson and possessing an offensive weapon in private place.

After losing his temper on Thursday, March 27, Smith "committed arson and damaged by fire the contents of the living room within the property to the value of unknown intending to destroy or damage such property being reckless as to whether such property would be destroyed or damaged."

Smith, of Kingsbury Road, Tipton, pleaded guilty to arson. The maximum sentence for arson is life imprisonment but as no-one was injured in Smith's blaze it is unlikely he will be sent down for more than ten years. 

When police attended the property they found Smith in possession of a black baton which is classed as an offensive weapon. 

Smith, of Kingsbury Road, Tipton, pleaded guilty to possessing an offensive weapon in a private place. 

Smith was remanded in custody due to the seriousness of the offence and the safety of his female victim whose property he set fire to.

Justice Michael Chambers KC ordered a pre-sentence report to be compiled by the Probation Service before sentencing Smith in July. 

Judge Chambers said: "You have shown the courage to plead guilty and will get credit for when your sentence is passed."

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