A Newtown resident has admitted causing arson at his home and damaging a police car on New Year’s Day.

Debbie Ann Jones, who identifies as male, pleaded guilty when he appeared in court via videolink from HMP Styal before His Honour Judge Rhys Rowlands on Wednesday morning (April 6).

Mold Crown Court heard that the 39-year-old damaged his home in Vaynor which belongs to Newydd Housing Association and a Dyfed-Powys Police vehicle on January 1 this year.

Judge Rowlands told Jones that he hopes the matter will be dealt with for sentencing on May 9.

Jones, of Heol Pengwern, Newtown, pleaded guilty to criminal damage and arson with recklessness as to whether life was endangered.