Mansfield man, 58, accused of arson that could have killed woman

Mark Ross, of no fixed address, appeared in court via video-link from Nottingham Prison where he is currently in custody.

Ross faces a charge of persistent harassment against Dawn Mayor in Mansfield over a three-year period between 2013 and 2016.

He has also been charged with committing arson at a property on Cliff Street, Mansfield belonging to Bitesh Solanky, intending to destroy the building, or being reckless as to whether he would do so, and intending the damage to endanger the life of Dawn Mayor and Michaela Harper. This is alleged to have happened on Wednesday, February 10 this year.

Nottingham Crown Court heard from Ross’s barrister, Felicity Campbell, defending, who said: “There are significant concerns regarding his mental health.”

Judge Stuart Rafferty agreed to adjourn the case until Thursday, June 16 so that a psychiatric report can be prepared. If the case goes to trial, it will be heard on Monday, September 5.

Ross was remanded in custody.