Man admits setting fire to bus during disorder

A double-decker bus was torched during the disorder in Harehills

A man has admitted setting fire to a double decker bus during disorder in Leeds.

Iustin Dobre pleaded guilty to one charge of arson with recklessness as to whether life was endangered when he appeared at Leeds Crown Court on Monday.

Hundreds took to the streets in Harehills on 18 July after some members of the community reacted angrily to children being taken into care.

Dobre, 37, of Clifton Mount, did not enter a plea for a second charge of violent disorder because his legal team had not had an opportunity to review fresh evidence submitted by the prosecution.

He is due to appear at the same court for a pre-trial and preparation hearing on 29 August.

His solicitor Paul Addison said he could be sentenced for the arson offence on the same date.

Dobre appeared in court via a video link from HMP Leeds and spoke through a Romanian translator throughout the hearing.

After he entered a plea, the Recorder of Leeds, Judge Guy Kearl KC, said Dobre "accepts that he was reckless as opposed to intending [to endanger life]".

A second man pleaded not guilty to arson with recklessness as to whether life was endangered in relation to the bus fire when he appeared at Leeds Crown Court on Monday.

Mark Mitchell, 34, of Strathmore View in Harehills, will go on trial on 25 November.

Mitchell pleaded guilty to violent disorder on the night of the alleged offence during Monday's hearing.

A third man charged with arson and violent disorder, Milan Zamostny, also appeared at the same court on Monday, but did not enter a plea.

He is expected to enter a plea on his next appearance on 29 August.

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