Daniel Brown pleads guilty to Capel Aberfan arson

Daniel Brown was warned he faces a lengthy prison sentence after admitting two counts of arson

A man has admitted starting a fire that gutted a Merthyr Tydfil chapel which was used as a temporary mortuary after the Aberfan mining disaster.

Daniel Brown, 26, of no fixed abode, pleaded guilty to arson and arson, being reckless as to whether life is endangered, at Merthyr Crown Court on Tuesday.

He also set fire to a wheelie bin he damaged on the same day as the chapel.

The internal structure of Capel Aberfan was destroyed on 11 July.

The chapel was used following the Aberfan disaster in 1966 and also housed a memorial organ.

Judge Richard Twomlow adjourned sentence so a psychiatric report could be compiled.

He said: "The fire caused the destruction of a chapel that was such an important part in the history of Aberfan."

Brown was remanded in custody and Judge Twomlow told him: "This is a very serious matter and will involve a lengthy prison sentence."

He will be sentenced in September.

Capel Aberfan was destroyed and four homes were evacuated after the blaze