AN arsonist with "the mind of a child" will not be allowed to return to the house he threatened to burn down while he waits to be sentenced for making threats.

Jason Williams made two threats to staff at Elgar Housing Association that he would burn down his council house in Sherrards Green Road, Malvern, Worcester Magistrates Court heard.

Police arrested the 39-year-old, but during interview, he said he had only threatened to damage the property with a sledge hammer, said Leslie Ashton prosecuting.

Williams has five previous convictions for arson. This latest offence means he has breached a conditional discharge imposed in January, this year, for sending offensive material by telecommunication system.

Mark Sheward, defending, told the court Williams had severe learning difficulties and "the mind of a child".

"He can't read or write and speaks very often before he thinks," Mr Sheward said.

The court was told that Williams had refused to pay his rent because of damp and damage to the house, but when Elgar Housing Association served a notice of possession he threatened to burn the house down.

Williams admitted the two charges and was remanded in custody, awaiting sentence.