Worker denies burning restaurant

A burger bar worker has denied setting fire to the restaurant where he worked after being angered by criticism from his manager, a court was told.

Aaron James, 20, is accused of setting small fires at Burger King in Poole, Dorset, in October 2003. Fifteen people were evacuated from the building.

A Bournemouth court heard police found cigarette lighters in James' bedroom.

He denies one count of arson being reckless as to whether life is endangered and another count of arson.

'Fascination with fire'

Bournemouth Crown Court heard James came up with the idea after youths set fire to a wheelie bin outside the restaurant chain.

He allegedly started the blaze, which eventually destroyed the building, with burger wrappers inside bins in the eating area, a manager's office and in the kitchen.

The final fire was in the restaurant's dry store.

Nigel Mitchell, prosecuting, said that James had been criticised by his manager about his work.

He added: "You have an unhealthy fascination with fire.

"You were angry and you set the other fires and you found it amusing.

"It wasn't so amusing when you realised the obvious consequence was that the building might go up and people might be injured."

James described the blaze as a "sick thing to do".

The case continues.