Wedding day arsonist too drunk for court

A groom who set fire to his own wedding venue near Whitchurch failed to attend his sentencing hearing as he was drunk, a court heard.

Max Kay, 37, of Liverpool, was due to be sentenced at Chester Crown Court yesterday after admitting starting the £6m blaze at Peckforton Castle over a row about a bar bill.

But the hearing had to be adjourned as Kay was arrested on Monday for breaching bail conditions by cutting off his electronic tag.

Nicola Daley, prosecuting, told Liverpool Crown Court: "He was at home and had been drinking to quite some extent."

She said the police were called out at that stage but he was not arrested and was urged to go to bed and was left with his family.

"It was only when the defendant rang an ambulance that the police were contacted again," Miss Daley said.

Miss Daley said police felt there was no other option but to arrest him.

Judge Dutton remanded Kay in custody and adjourned his sentencing to March 21 at Chester Crown Court.