Man Admits Arson After Fire Destroys MP Sharon Hodgson’s Office in Washington

A man has confessed to starting a blaze that destroyed an MP’s constituency office.

Joshua Oliver, 28, admitted to causing the fire that gutted the office of Labour MP Sharon Hodgson, located at Vermont House in Washington, Tyne and Wear. The incident also devastated a small charity supporting people with rare genetic conditions and an NHS mental health service for veterans.

At Newcastle Magistrates’ Court, Oliver entered a guilty plea on the grounds that his actions were reckless rather than deliberate. However, the Crown did not accept this explanation.

The court heard that Oliver, who has no fixed address, had been living in a tent nearby.

Northumbria Police said they were alerted to the fire at premises on Woodland Terrace, Washington, shortly after 12:20am on Thursday. Emergency crews attended the scene, and fortunately, no injuries were reported.

Drone images revealed severe destruction to the building.

A spokesperson for the Crown Prosecution Service said prosecutors determined there was enough evidence to take the case to trial and that pursuing criminal charges was in the public interest. They confirmed working closely with Northumbria Police during the investigation.

Oliver has been remanded in custody and is due to appear at Newcastle Crown Court on Tuesday, 14 October.