AN ARSONIST who set fire to his home with his partner inside has admitted starting the blaze intending to endanger her life.

Alan Fox, 53, of Rochford Road, Southend, set the fire on October 21, as his partner slept.

He appeared at Basildon Crown Court last year to admit arson reckless as to whether life was endangered but he denied arson with intent to endanger life.

He was set to stand trial at Basildon Crown Court yesterday but after he was led into the dock the charge was put to him again and he pleaded guilty.

Marc Brown, prosecuting, said the other charge would now be discarded.

Judge John Lodge told the court he would not proceed to sentence without a psychiatric report.

He said: “Arson is one of the most serious cases in the criminal calendar and it is also one of the most inexplicable.”

He ordered a psychiatric report to be completed by April 28 and sentencing to be carried out on April 28.

The victim and her family were in court for the emotional hearing but remained dignified after Fox entered his plea.

Addressing Fox, Judge Lodge warned him he is facing a long prison sentence.

He said: “You have pleaded guilty to a very serious offence and custody is the only option. I need a report first to look at your background and to see whether you should be treated as dangerous.

“I am not giving any indication until I see a psychiatric report.”