Man denies burning down 5G phone masts during spree of arson attacks

An alleged arsonist has denied trying to burn down two 5G masts and torching an Indian restaurant during a month-long spree.

Milo Creese, 40, is also accused of striking an officer with a crossbow as they arrested him and damaging the windowpane of a 16th century listed cottage.

The offenses date between October 31 and November 21 last year.

Creese was arrested on November 21, after a mast fire occurred on Bittams Lane, Ottershaw, Surrey.

It was extinguished and there were no injuries.

Creese appeared at the Old Bailey on Wednesday for a plea hearing before Judge Richard Marks KC.

He is accused of setting fire to an Indian restaurant, causing £8,000 of damage, on October 31 last year.

The next month he allegedly launched two arson attacks on property belonging to the Mobile Broadband Network, causing thousands of pounds of damage.

On November 21, he allegedly damaged a window in Chertsey, Surrey, had a crossbow in public and assaulted two police constables.

Creese, of Ottershaw, Surrey, entered not guilty pleas to eight charges as he appeared by videolink from Wandsworth prison.

He denied arson with intent to endanger life, three offenses of arson, damaging property, having an offensive weapon in public and two assaults on an emergency worker.

Prosecutor Alistair Richardson earlier said: ‘Police were contacted after a fire against a large electrical tower, started inside a rucksack.

‘Nearby, there was a can of brake cleaner which appeared to have been used as an accelerant.

‘The defendant had purchased brake cleaner six days earlier.’

Judge Marks set a further hearing for June 19 ahead of a 10-day trial at the Old Bailey from September 1.

The defendant was remanded into custody.

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