A 50-YEAR-OLD man has appeared in court charged with the murder of Richard Perkins, who died in an arson attack on Monday.

Stephen George-Davies also faces five counts of intending to destroy or damage property and intending to endanger life following the fire at The Glade, Malvern at about 1.30am on Monday.

Wearing a dark blue T-shirt, George-Davies, of Oak Crescent, Malvern, only spoke to confirm his name, address and date of birth at the hearing at Worcester Magistrates Court yesterday.

A youth arrested in connection with the incident has been released without charge while inquiries continue.

Mr Perkins, aged 37, was found dead in a rear bedroom of the property in the early hours of Monday morning.

Thirty firefighters were called to the blaze after receiving 15 emergency calls in quick succession.

Mr Perkins’ wife Roseann, aged 40, was told her husband had died after she regained consciousness on Tuesday night.

Since then doctors have had to put her back on a ventilator and into a drug-induced coma.

She remains in a serious condition at Worcestershire Royal Hospital.

Her 17-year-old daughter Katie remains unconscious on a special breathing machine and is still in a critical condition.

Speaking after George-Davis had appeared in court, Katie’s uncle Jim Loveridge said: “We are just waiting to see what is happening with Roseann and Katie. It is devastating for the family at the moment.”

Mr Perkins’ stepson Ben, 18, has now been discharged from hospital and is recovering with relatives.

The fourth person to escape the fire was 22-year-old Shaun Perkins.

He was discharged from hospital soon after the blaze and officials from Elgar Housing Association, which is part of the Festival Housing Group, have found him temporary accommodation.

The case against George-Davies was adjourned to Thursday, October 23, when he will appear at Worcester Crown Court.

George-Davies was remanded in custody until that date.