A MAN has been charged with arson and religiously aggravated criminal damage in connection with fires at a Chelmsford meditation centre and a house in Brentwood.
Stephen Finch, 52, of The Street, Croxton, Norfolk was arrested at his home on Sunday (January 18) by police following investigations into a blaze at The Inner Space meditation centre, in Gloucester Avenue, Chelmsford on Boxing Day.
There was a second fire on Friday at a house in Great Fox Meadow in Kelvedon Hatch, near Brentwood.
Both properties were also damaged with spray paint on October 19.
Mr Finch has been charged with two counts of arson with intent, two counts of religiously aggravated criminal damage and two counts of criminal damage.
He appeared at Chelmsford Magistrates' Court on Monday (January 19) and was remanded in custody to appear at Chelmsford Crown Court on March 30.
