Man in court over bus arson during disorder

The bus was destroyed during the violent disorder in Harehills on Thursday

A man accused of arson and violent disorder after disturbances in Leeds intends to deny the charges, a court has heard.

Iustin Dobre was charged after fire destroyed a First double-decker bus during disorder in Harehills last Thursday.

Mr Dobre, 37, of Clifton Mount, appeared before Leeds magistrates charged with violent disorder and arson with recklessness as to whether life was endangered.

The court heard Mr Dobre had indicated he would plead not guilty to the charges. He was remanded in custody to appear at Leeds Crown Court on 19 August.

The disorder continued into the early hours of Friday

Prosecutor Diane Rawnsley said: "On July 18 there was large scale public disorder in Harehills triggered by social services' involvement with a family."

Mr Dobre, who followed proceedings through a Romanian interpreter, was arrested at a bus stop on Friday afternoon, the day after the disorder, the court heard.

District Judge Tim Capstick said: "These two offences you are charged with are serious allegations. One can only be dealt with at the crown court."

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