A GROOM admitted setting fire to his wedding venue at Peckforton Castle, causing £6m worth of damage.

Max Henry Kay, 36, of Waylands Drive, Hunts Cross, Liverpool, faces a prison sentence after pleading guilty to arson being reckless as to whether life was endangered at Chester Crown Court.

His wife Stephanie and identical twin brother Richard were not present in court.

When the fire broke out in the early hours of Sunday, June 19, there were more than 100 guests staying at the castle, including 11 children, many of whom had been at his wedding the day before.

Prosecutor Duncan Bould said everyone managed to escape thanks to an effective fire alarm and the actions of staff but the damage amounted to about £6m.

Mr Bould said: “Bearing in the mind a number of the guests that were at Mr Kay’s wedding and would have taken alcohol to some extent or another, they were obviously vulnerable.”

Patrick Thompson, defending, insisted Kay played an important role in helping to evacuate people from the castle.

He said: “He has gone through great personal strain. He was made bankrupt and had various difficulties going on in his life.”

This was in addition to the usual wedding day stresses that many people experience.

But judge Roger Dutton said: “Not many people set fire to the place where it takes place.”

And he warned Kay: “I have to tell you, so you understand, that it’s inevitable in my judgement that you will go to custody when sentenced. This is an extremely serious matter.”

A pre-sentence report was ordered, to include a psychiatric report, because it is an offence of arson.

Kay must return for sentencing on February 3 after the judge decided he could be released on bail due to keeping scrupulously to his conditions which include a stipulation that he does not go within 10 miles of the castle and does not leave the country.

His sister has paid £50,000 surety. Kay’s identical twin has surrendered his passport until the conclusion of the case.

The Crown Prosecution Service accepted Kay’s guilty plea to the charge, which was an alternative to the more serious charge of arson with intent to endanger to life which he denied.