A 22-year-old labourer accused of manslaughter after the death of a man in a flat fire was refused bail when he appeared at Maidstone Crown Court.

Stuart Willard is also facing 18 other charges over 10 other fires started in the Tonbridge area during a 17-month period.

John Skilton, 46, died in a blaze at his top floor flat in Bridge Close, where Willard was also living, on January 21.

Alan Kent, prosecuting, said as well as being charged with manslaughter, Willard, was also accused of arson being reckless as to whether the lives of resident downstairs were endangered.

Other arson charges involve the following fires:

* 68 Priory Road on August 4 2005, when a wheelie bin was set alight close to the front door.

* Five Oak Green Road on November 28 2005, when conifer trees were set alight outside the factory of Wallace and Tiernan Ltd.

* 24 Priory Road on March 15 2006, when a fire was started in the rear garden.

* 68 Priory Road on April 25 2006, when a shed and rubbish were set alight.

* 18 Pembury Grove on April 30 2006, when two vehicles were torched.

* Lavender Hill on June 4 2006, when a conifer tree was set alight.

* 11/12 Bridge Close on July 22 2006. Fire started at the rear and spread upstairs.

* 92 Priory Road on December 16 2006, when wheelie bins were set on fire and pushed up against conifer trees. Blaze spread to vehicles outside.

* Bridge Close on December 22 2006.

* Rose Street on January 21 2007, when trees were set alight.

In the bail application, Judge Andrew Patience was told that Willard could live with his girlfriend 10 miles away from the area where the alleged offences were committed.

Remanding Willard in custody, the judge said pleas would be entered on September 3. A provisional trial date was set for April 1.