The man accused of setting fire to Aberystwyth’s Ty Belgrave hotel has denied all charges against him, including the murder of a guest who died in the blaze on 25 July.

Damion Harris, of Llwyn On, Pwllhobi, appeared at Swansea Crown Court before Judge Paul Thomas on Friday.

The charges were put to Harris for the first time.

He denied murder and causing grievous bodily harm to a guest who was injured while escaping the blaze.

Harris, 31, also denied arson with intent to endanger life and a lesser, alternative charge of arson while reckless as to whether life or property would be endangered.

A three-week trial will begin on 4 March.

Judge Thomas will be the trial judge and Harris is expected to be represented by Miss Elwen Evans QC.

Harris was further remanded into custody meanwhile.