Andrew Turner, 59, of Beachfield Road, was charged with arson and being reckless as to whether life is endangered following the fire on Saturday, November 26, 2022.
The fire caused extensive damage to his home, which he shared at the time with his now-ex-partner.
When police arrived, Turner approached an officer in the street and admitted to committing the act on purpose.
Officers discovered a knife in Turner’s pocket when he was arrested. In an interview, he also told police that he acted out in revenge for the recent breakup of his relationship.
He pleaded guilty to arson and a separate charge of possessing a knife in a public place at Isle of Wight Crown Court yesterday (30 January 2023).
He was remanded in custody and ordered to appear in the same court on April 21 for sentencing.
