Man Admits Arson Over East Sussex Mosque Fire But Denies Intent To Harm

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A man has admitted setting fire to a mosque in East Sussex, but has denied intending to harm anyone inside.

Ricky Ryder, 38, pleaded guilty to arson being reckless as to whether life was endangered following the incident at Peacehaven Mosque on the night of October 4.

However, he denied that he intended to put lives at risk.

Ryder, from Seaford, also pleaded not guilty to two further arson charges linked to damage caused to a car outside the mosque.

In the same hearing at the Old Bailey on Friday, Jack Slowey, 34, from Peacehaven, denied four charges connected to the incident.

Both men are due to stand trial at Kingston Crown Court in December.

Peacehaven Mosque was occupied and had lights on when a fire was allegedly started using accelerant on its front steps.

Three other people were arrested in March on suspicion of conspiracy to commit arson in connection with the attack.