A man from Newport charged with arson intended to endanger someone’s life has been held in custody following his appearance at the city’s magistrates’ court.

Michael Tuftt, aged 41 and living at Marlowe Gardens, faces three sets of alleged offences.

On August 15, he allegedly set fire to a floor belonging to a woman, either aiming to destroy or damage the property, or being careless about whether harm would occur, and intending through that destruction to put life at risk.

The accused also faces charges of attempting to cause grievous bodily harm to the complainant, with the intention of inflicting serious injury upon her.

A further accusation alleges that Tuftt intimidated her by threatening to smash a window at her parents’ home, intending that she would believe the threat would be carried out.

No pleas were offered to the arson and attempted grievous bodily harm allegations during the hearing.

Andrew Cooper-Gadd handled the prosecution, with Ben Waters acting as Tuftt’s defence representative.

District Judge Barbara Williams oversaw proceedings and sent the matter to the crown court, where the defendant is required to attend on September 14 for a plea and trial preparation hearing.