A man accused of setting fire to a Swindon bank has appeared in court.
58-year-old Charles Laforest gave no indication of plea when he stood before magistrates this morning charged with arson.
The defendant, of Marney Road, Grange Park, allegedly poured an accelerant on cardboard outside Halifax Bank in Bridge Street on 1 February last year. 
The blaze severely damaged the bank building to the value of £17,000.
The crown prosecutor suggested the offence was in the highest category, with a sentencing starting point of four years imprisonment.
Defence solicitor Emma Thacker told the court the case was best suited to the crown court.
Magistrates adjourned the case until 4 June at Swindon Crown Court.
