AN ARSONIST has admitted deliberately lighting fires which could have killed a man and a woman in Crewe.

Matthew Mark Owens, of Edleston Road, Crewe, pleaded guilty to 11 counts of arson, including two of arson endangering life, at Chester Crown Court on Wednesday.

The court heard that a string of fires in wheelie bins occurred sporadically between January 2004 and April this year.

The 26-year-old recklessly set alight two wheelie bins at Catherine Street on April 7, endangering the lives of a man and a woman at nearby properties.

Owens also carried out a spate of arson attacks on wheelie bins at Oxford Street, Alexandra Place, Stapeley Court, Lewis Street, Walthall Street and at the rear of Cash Converters on Market Street.

He also set a light to a recycling bin at Pedley Street, an industrial refuse bin out-side Domino's Pizza in Nantwich Road and a commercial refuse container at Carpet Craft on Tower Way.

Mark Le Brocq, defending, said: 'I would like to ask for a pre-sentence report. My client is prepared to stay in custody and will co-operate for a psychiatric report.'

Judge Roger Dutton adjourned the case for reports ahead of sentencing on January 19.

He said: 'There needs to be a psychiatric report for anyone involved in arson to assess the risk of possible harm to the public in the future. It is very important that assessment is made.'

Owens was remanded in custody.