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Man to face trial next year over fire that gutted famous North Yorkshire restaurant

Mon 18 Sep

The aftermath of the fire at the Star Inn, Harome. Photograph: Station Manager Tony Walker on Twitter

Mon 18 Sep 2023  @ 12:22pm
YorkMix
Crime, News

A man is to go on trial in July next year accused of arson over a fire which caused more than £2 million damage to a famous North Yorkshire restaurant.

Charles Birkett appeared at York Crown Court today (Monday) after being charged in connection with the blaze at the thatched 14th-century Star Inn at Harome, near Helmsley, in November 2021.

Mr Birkett, 28, of Rosedale Lane, Helmsley, is charged with arson and being reckless as to whether property would be destroyed and life endangered.

He was not asked to enter a plea.

Judge Sean Morris, the Recorder of York, set a date of 1 July, 2024 for the trial, which is expected to last five days.

The bar at the restored Star Inn at Harome dining room. Photograph: The Star on Twitter
Firefighters battle the flames at the Star Inn at Harome. Photograph: The Star at Harome

A further hearing will be held on 19 February, when, the court heard, there will be an application to dismiss the charges.

Birkett was granted unconditional bail until his next appearance at court.

The Michelin-starred Star Inn has regularly featured in lists of the best restaurants and gastropubs since the arrival of chef and patron Andrew Pern more than 25 years ago.

The inn was rebuilt and reopened on the anniversary of the fire in 2022.

No one was injured in the blaze, which involved more than 40 firefighters battling to save the building.


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