A MAN accused of murder in an arson attack is to enter a plea to the charge in February next year.

Stephen George-Davies was due to appear before a judge at Worcester Crown Court today, but due to a mix-up was not delivered from jail by a security company.

George-Davies, 50, of Oak Crescent, Malvern, is charged with murdering Richard Perkins who died in a fire at The Glade in the town.

He also faces five counts of arson with intent to endanger life and criminal damage.

Mr Perkins, aged 37, was found dead in a bedroom of the blaze-hit property in the early hours of October 13.

Thirty firefighters race to the scene after 15 emergency calls were received in quick succession.

Judge Alistair McCreath said George-Davies must enter his pleas on February 23 and ordered he be remanded in custody.

Critically injured in the blaze were Roseann Perkins, 40, the wife of the dead man, and their 17-year-old daughter Katie.

Also injured was Mr Perkins' stepson Ben, 18, who has been discharged from hospital.

A fourth person, 22-year-old Shaun Perkins, managed to escape the fire but received hospital treatment.