A MAN has admitted starting a fire in a home.
Thomas Britton, aged 40, pleaded guilty at Plymouth Crown Court to arson on September 12.
He set fire to a bed, mattress and carpet worth £140 in rented accommodation.
Britton, of Rochester Road, Mutley, denied the more serious alternative charge of arson reckless as to whether the lives of fellow tenants were put at risk.
Julia Cox, for the Crown Prosecution Service, said that plea was acceptable and no trial would be needed.
Jason Beal, for Britton, said: "He made an initial call to the fire service and left the property. It was a case of soot and the like rather than fire damage."
The court heard that the arson followed a row with his partner.
Judge Paul Darlow adjourned sentence January 29 and released the defendant on conditional bail.
He banned Britton from meeting his partner in enclosed private premises.
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