Christopher Parker appears in court for Harwich arson case
- Published
The LV18 lightship caught fire on 2 February in what police suspected to be an arson attack
A man accused of lighting a series of fires that wrecked an historic boat in Essex has appeared in court.
Christopher Parker was charged with four counts of arson in connection with fires in Harwich on 2 February.
The LV18 lightship, used previously for pirate radio projects, and Harwich Town railway station were damaged.
Mr Parker, 33, of Alexandra Street in the town, could not enter a plea to the charges until a psychiatric report had been completed, a court heard.
The defendant appeared before Chelmsford Crown Court via prison video link from HMP Chelmsford.
Police remained at Harwich Town railway station the day after the fire
Emergency services were called to Harwich Town station just before 19:40 GMT on February 2 and found several buildings and vehicles had been damaged by fire.
Fire crews then attended the Quay at about 21:00 to tackle a blaze onboard the LV18.
The boat, which was built in 1958, had been the focus of a 12-year restoration project.
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