AN ARSONIST has had his sentencing hearing adjourned while doctors assess his mental state.

A judge at Burnley Crown Court made an interim hospital order in relation to Sajid Mohammed Hussain, who gave the name Mohammed Sajid Hussain.

Earlier this year Hussain, 35, of Whalley Road, Accrington, pleaded guilty to arson being reckless as to whether life was endangered.

That was in relation to an incident in Lodge Street, Accrington, in August 2015 where a family had to escape their home after a fuel canister with a lit rag was thrown through their window.

The Lancashire Telegraph reported at the time that Philip Kenrick, then 33, his partner April Bates and their then 21-month-old daughter Isabella, had been asleep on the first floor of their home when they heard a rear window smash.

With a strong smell of diesel evident, Philip hunted around the house until he found the rag in the kitchen and threw a pan of water on it, before alerting the emergency services.

At the time of the offence, Mr Kenrick said: “It is just totally unprovoked - I’ve got no enemies. I’m just a quiet family man who just wants to get on with his life.

Hussain was arrested in November 2015 in relation to the incident and pleaded guilty to the offence at Burnley Crown Court on May 23, this year.

He was due to be sentenced this week but on the recommendation of two doctors Judge Sara Dodd decided to adjourn the hearing for Hussain to be assessed by experts.

Judge Dodd said: “Both doctors agree you need to be assessed in a secure mental health unit. In the circumstances I make an interim hospital order to assess your mental state under section 38 of the Mental Health Act 1983. It is proposed the next hearing in this case will be on September 18 when you will be brought back to this court.”