A MAN who set fire to a public toilet block in Bank Park told a police officer he committed arson because 'bad things happen there'.

Mark Connor, from Widnes, will be sentenced next month at Liverpool Crown Court after pleading guilty to one count of arson

His guilty plea meant he was also convicted while subject to a community order for a previous crime.

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The 38-year-old was hauled before Chester Crown Court on February 9 after he was convicted of possession of a knife. This dated back to an incident in 2017.

But at Warrington Magistrates' Court on Monday, Connor was back in the dock for another offence.

The court heard how firefighters and police were called to the toilets, which are owned by Warrington Borough Council, near the Town Hall on April 4 at 10pm.

While the toilets were empty at the time of the blaze, one witness heard Connor say that he was going to 'burn the place down and show them'.

Minor damage was caused to the building. This is despite Connor's efforts as he was witnessed using wood and paper to fuel the fire.

Connor was arrested at the scene and lighter fluid was found in his backpack following a search by police.

Officers who attended the scene both noted that Connor appeared to be under the influence of alcohol.

The case has previously been adjourned for a psychiatric report to be carried out.

Connor will be sentenced at Liverpool Crown Court on September 10.