April 27, 2022 12.01 pm This story is over 23 months old

Man denies arson attack at Lincoln County Hospital A&E

It is alleged damage of £180k was caused at the hospital

A man accused of starting a fire that led to the closure of Lincoln County Hospital’s A&E department today (Wed) denied two charges of arson.

John Gillion Watson, 56, of Vicarage Court, Sleaford, will go on trial in September after he entered not guilty pleas during a hearing at Lincoln Crown Court.

The unit was evacuated with no injuries to patients or staff but ambulances were diverted to other hospitals in Lincolnshire, as well as further afield.

Watson appeared in court to face a charge of arson with intent to endanger life on March 29 and an alternative offence of arson being reckless to endanger life on the same date.

It is alleged damage of £180,000 was caused to Lincoln County Hospital.

Wearing a grey jacket and grey jogging bottoms, Watson, who was a temporary patient at the hospital, spoke to confirm his date of birth and then pleaded not guilty to the two arson charges.

Judge John Pini QC adjourned the case for a trial at Lincoln Crown Court on September 26.

The trial expected to last several days.

Watson was remanded back into custody and will next appear at Lincoln Crown Court for a pre-trial hearing on September 5.

Judge Pini told Watson: “I am adjourning your case for trial.”

Lincoln hospital fire coverage: