A DATE has been set for the sentencing hearing of a man who has pleaded guilty to arson and a stalking offence.

James Crane, of Vicarage Lane, Claines, entered the guilty pleas during a plea and trial preparation hearing at Worcester Crown Court on February 18.

The 29-year-old admitted arson and a section 2a stalking offence that took place last September.

The court heard the arson offence was related to the destruction of part of the public highway in End Hill Way, Malvern.

Jason Aris, prosecuting, said Crane's guilty pleas were acceptable to the crown and the case could move to sentencing.

William Dudley, defending Crane, said he was seeking an adjournment asking for a pre sentence report to be carried out including a physiology analysis of Crane's mental health.

He said Crane was currently living at an address in Scotland as he was not permitted to enter Worcestershire under his bail conditions, and asked for eight weeks for the report to be concluded.

Crane then stood and the defendant was told his sentencing would take place at Worcester Crown Court on April 17.

Judge Nicolas Cartwright said: "The fact I am ordering a report is not to be taken by you as any promise to what your sentence will be.

"I give you the standard warning that if you fail to attend court you will be committing another offence."

The judge gave Crane conditional bail which requires him not to enter Worcestershire, apart from court hearings, arranged solicitor and probation appointments, and for the night before the sentencing hearing.