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Newlywed in court over wedding reception fire
Tuesday 26th July 2011, 8:17PM BST.
Max Kay arrives at Chester Crown Court today. He is accused of arson.
A newlywed appeared in court today accused of starting a devastating fire which tore through a country house near the Shropshire border where his wedding reception was being held.
Max Kay, 36, of Waylands Drive, Hunts Cross, Liverpool, is charged with arson with intent to destroy or damage property and to endanger life and arson reckless as to whether life is endangered.
The fire broke out in a wing of Peckforton Castle Hotel, north of Whitchurch, at about 5am on June 19.
Kay, a property developer and father-of-two, was the groom at a wedding party which had been using the venue at the time of the blaze.
About 100 firefighters tackled the blaze at the Grade I-listed property, a 19th century country house built in the style of a castle.
Some 70 hotel guests and staff were safely evacuated from the building.
Kay appeared at Chester Crown Court today for a short preliminary hearing where his bail was extended until October 10 when he will enter his plea.
Bosses at the hotel have made contingency plans for those who had made wedding bookings ahead of the blaze.
While repair work is being carried out to the damaged parts of the building, couples getting married are being offered the chance to use an outdoor marquee in the grounds instead.
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