Crawley man charged with arson endangering life

Michael Coppendale, 34, a builder, of Cherry Lane, Crawley, appeared in custody at Brighton Magistrates Court on Tuesday June 23, charged with arson with intent to endanger life at an address at The Birches in Crawley on Saturday (June 20), Sussex Police said.

A spokesman added: “A quantity of vehicle fuel was poured through a hole in the front door of the house. It was not ignited. Several people were in the house at the time but were not injured.

“Coppendale was remanded in custody and sent for trial with an initial hearing at Crown Court on July 21.

“The prosecution, authorised by the CPS, follows enquiries by local officers and detectives from the West Sussex Safeguarding Investigations Unit.”

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