A 23-YEAR-OLD man described as “very controlling” has been accused of setting fire to his former girlfriend’s home in Lechlade after allegedly knocking her unconscious, a court heard.

Daniel Legg, now of Delaway Close, Swindon, appeared before Gloucester Crown Court last Friday where he pleaded not guilty to arson with intent to endanger life, assault and criminal damage.

Prosecuting barrister Julian Kesner said: “The Crown’s case is that this very controlling man thought his then-partner Natalie Bird was seeing other men.

“In May of this year after they had both been drinking, the allegation is that he hit his girlfriend on the head with a lap-top.

“Two days later he allegedly went to her Lechlade address and she felt a blow to the back of the head and lost consciousness.”

The court then heard that when his ex came to, the cooker had allegedly been pushed over and was turned on. The prosecution said smoke was seen coming from a small fire at the property which set off the smoke alarm.

“Neighbours were alerted and came in to turn off the cooker and call the police,” alleged the barrister.

The case was adjourned until October 9 for a plea and case management hearing and a trial date was set for December 14.

Legg was granted conditional bail.