Kent and Canterbury Hospital was evacuated during a blaze last month

by Alex Claridge

A homeless man has appeared at Canterbury Crown Court accused of starting fires at two Kent hospitals.

Thomas Ashcroft is said to have started the blazes at the Medway Maritime Hospital, in Gillingham, on August 29 and at the Kent and Canterbury Hospital, in Canterbury, on August 30 as diversions for burglaries in the buildings.

He is also said to have committed the same offences at the Hilton Hotel, in Sheffield, on July 15.

Wearing a grey prison tracksuit, the 34-year-old did not enter pleas to the charges when he appeared before Judge James O'Mahoney.

Fire crews at Medway Maritime Hospital, in Gillingham

Ashcroft is accused of six counts of arson, being reckless as to whether life was endangered, and three counts of burglary.

He was remanded in custody and is due back before the court on October 15.