A Pontarddulais man burnt a residential caravan to the ground to “frighten” the man who lived in it, a court has been told.

John Paul Cherrington, of 8 Heol y Maes, appeared before Llanelli magistrates to admit a charge of arson after setting fire to the static caravan belonging to Gary Samuel on farmland in Pontyates on October 15.

The 34-year-old claimed he had intended to frighten Mr Samuel by setting fire to the bed. However the entire caravan caught light and was destroyed.

Ellie Morgan, prosecuting, said CCTV at the site showed two figures arrive “in a Ford Cougar-type vehicle”.

“The footage also captures the caravan ablaze,” said Ms Morgan.

“The caravan, valued at £2,500, was completely destroyed.”

Police were able to trace the vehicle and found only three people had access to the keys, one of which was defendant.

The vehicle was impounded for forensic analysis – as was Cherrington’s clothing.

During an interview with police, Cherrington read a prepared statement in which he admitted arson.

Ms Morgan said: “In the statement he said he went to the caravan and intended to frighten the person who lived there.

“When he realised no one was there he decided to frighten the owner by setting fire to his bed.

“The caravan was totally destroyed.”

Magistrates agreed with representations from the prosecution and the defence that the matter was not suitable for the jurisdiction.

Cherrington will appear at Swansea crown court for sentence on February 7.