A 30-year-old man set fire to his parents' home in a desperate bid to extract money from them for drugs.

Russell Gooding, of Cherry Orchard, Upton, pleaded guilty at Worcester Crown Court to arson while reckless to whether life was endangered. Judge Michael Mott remanded him in custody for a psychiatric report to be updated. He will be sentenced on November 11.

Prosecutor Tim Green said the defendant "bullied" his parents, George and Pearl Gooding, for drug money. On July 14, he came home demanding cash and set fire to the carpet, clothing and an ironing board in a bid to get it.

The prosecution accepted a not guilty plea to a more serious charge of arson with intent to endanger life.