A MAN accused of intentionally setting the Bournemouth International Centre on fire has pleaded guilty in court.
Shane Wilson, 38, and of no fixed abode, appeared at Bournemouth Crown Court on Thursday, December 11 charged with arson with recklessness as to whether life was endangered.
On August 1, the BIC, in Exeter Road, went up in flames as emergency services descended on the sea front. A dramatic scene unfolded as smoke could be seen billowing from the building.
A heavy police presence was in place for most of the evening while roads around the BIC were cordoned off.
Fire crews from Springbourne, Westbourne and Redhill Park along with the aerial ladder platform from Westbourne were dispatched to fight the fire.
The fire affected the external roof fascia while some smoke entered the building through a window.
There were no planned events in the venue on the day of the fire and no injuries reported as a result of the incident.
Eyewitnesses said they saw a man being arrested before he was taken away in handcuffs by police.
Following the fire, Steve Turner, BH Live’s venue director, said: “I’d like to thank the emergency services and all those involved for their swift response.
“We will be assessing the damage to the outdoor terraced area, and any impact this will have on forthcoming event arrangements – although early indications suggest that this will be minimal and the venue will largely be operating as usual.”
The BIC opened in 1984 and is one of the largest venues for conferences, exhibitions, entertainment and events in southern England.
The centre is managed by BH Live in partnership with BCP Council alongside its sister venue, The Pavilion Theatre and Ballroom.
A sentencing date for Mr Wilson has been set for Friday, February 6 at Bournemouth Crown Court.
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