£220,000 of damage caused in Newport house explosion

A man suffered severe burns and caused £220,000 worth of damage when he blew up his own home.

William Flindell, 50, needed two months of specialist treatment in hospital after the blast in Newport last April.

Flindell has admitted arson, being reckless as to whether life is endangered, and will be sentenced in the next 10 days.

Newport Crown Court heard Flindell tampered with the gas supply in an attempt to kill himself.

Properties either side of Flindell's George Street home were damaged and three people were hurt in the explosion.

Flindell suffered life-threatening injuries, including burns to 58% of his body.

Psychiatric and probation reports said Flindell had acute and severe depressive illness.

Flindell was remanded into custody until his sentencing.