A MAN who set fire to a hospital room before smashing a window has pleaded not guilty on account of insanity.

Kevin Hacklett, 50, of Salwarpe Road, Bromsgrove, was at Redditch's Alexandra Hospital on December 19 when he began to wrecking the room.

Prosecutor Mary Wallace told the court that while there was "no question" Hacklett had done both things, he claimed he could not remember them, and two separate psychiatric reports had concluded there were grounds to plead insanity.

He appeared at Worcester Crown Court on Tuesday, December 17, when he denied arson while being reckless as to whether lives were put at risk, by setting fire to a cupboard and curtains at the hospital.

He also pleaded not guilty to criminal damage by smashing a window.

A one-day trial will be held at Hereford Crown Court on January 17. Hacklett was granted unconditional bail until then.