A TOWN centre man has appeared in court accused of setting fire to the Halifax bank.

Charles Bacchus Laforest, 58, is said to have poured accelerant and set the fire that caused £17,000-worth of damage to the Bridge Street branch.

Prosecutor Rachel Bailey said the bank was shut for at least seven days after the fire on February 1, 2020.

She asked the magistrates to send the case to the crown court.

Appearing before Swindon Magistrates’ Court this morning, Laforest, of Albion Street, entered no plea to a single charge of arson.

He was granted unconditional bail to appear before Swindon Crown Court on June 4 for a plea and trial preparation hearing.

Emma Thacker appeared for Laforest at the short hearing on Wednesday.