A MAN was in court today (February 26) accused of the manslaughter of a Kidderminster mother who was killed in a fire at her flat.

Mark Moat, aged 42, appeared before Kidderminster Magistrates charged with the unlawful killing of 22-year-old Sandra Nowocinska and arson being reckless as to whether life of another would endangered following the blaze at a property in Horsefair, Kidderminster on November 27 last year.

He faced two further charges of arson and threatening to cause criminal damage in relation to two separate incidents.

Fergus Maxwell, defending, indicated that Moat would be pleading not guilty to all the charges.

Moat was remanded in custody and the case has been sent to Worcester Crown Court for a first hearing on June 1.

Miss Nowocinska was rescued from her flat, along with her five-year-old son, during the blaze which broke out shortly before 10pm on November 27. She was rushed to hospital but died a few days later on December 1.

Her son was injured in the fire but has since recovered and been sent home.