Burns man to stand trial over flat explosion

Oct 6 2008 By Ian Proctor

A man who suffered severe burns when his South Harrow flat blew up earlier this year is to stand trial accused of triggering the blast.

John Pearson, 35, who is recuperating with his father and step-mother in St Albans, Herts, pleaded not guilty today (Monday) at Harrow Crown Court to a charge of arson recklessly endangering life.

The explosion occured on February 15 at Pearson's top floor flat in Annan Court on the Rayners Lane Estate, ripping the roof of the block and forcing the evaculation and temporary relocation of the other tenants.

Pearson, a keen darts player, was treated at the burns unit at Chelsea and Westminster Hospital in west London for his injuries.

During the hearing, Judge Nicholas Madge told Pearson he would stand trial on May 18 next year and granted him conditional bail.

Earlier this summer Pearson attended a darts league awards evening at the Royal British Legion in Northolt Road, South Harrow, where his team - South Harrow Sports and Social Club (SHAC) in Valentine Road, South Harrow - collected the Thursday night league title.