A MAN has pleaded guilty to killing Andrew Heath by starting a fire at his Worcester home in December 2011.

Daniel Martin, aged 24 and previously of Canterbury Road, Ronkswood, Worcester, pleaded guilty to manslaughter earlier today at Birmingham Crown Court.

Mr Heath, aged 52, was found dead following a blaze at his flat, in Chedworth Close, Warndon, which occurred at around 4am on Wednesday December 14, 2011.

A number of wheelie bins were placed in the porch of his maisonette’s front door and set alight, which caused a fire that gutted the property and killed Mr Heath.

The senior investigating officer in the case, Detective Chief Inspector Paul Williamson, said: "We welcome the decision by Martin to admit his guilt.

"This will save Andrew Heath’s family the rigours of a trial and they also welcome Martin’s guilty plea.

"This landmark in the case means we are nearing the end of what has been a long and complex investigation.

"It is now more than 18 months since the fire occurred at Andrew’s flat and Martin has finally admitted he is responsible for his death.

"When he was killed, his family asked the police and the public to help them find some answers; I hope this conviction has gone some way to do that.

"I would like to thank all those members of public who offered statements and came forward as witnesses; their efforts have led to directly to today’s conviction."

Already on remand, Martin has been returned to prison custody and is due to be sentenced on July 26.

Three other people have been charged and are due to stand trial for perverting the course of justice in relation to this case.

They are Teresa Martin, aged 44 of Rodborough Close, Worcester, Sarah Louise Martin, aged 26, of Rodborough Drive, Worcester and Matthew James Davies, aged 28, also of Rodborough Drive, Worcester.