An Iraqi sheep farmer, accused of endangering lives, set ablaze two hotels funded by taxpayers where he was temporarily housed, including the contentious Bell Hotel in Epping, according to court proceedings.
The 37-year-old, Rawand Abdulrahman, confessed to igniting fires at both the Phoenix Hotel in North Weald, approximately five miles from Epping, and at The Bell, eight days apart.
However, Abdulrahman contends that he neither intentionally nor recklessly put other hotel occupants or emergency responders at risk.
Prosecutor George Penny informed Chelmsford Crown Court that at the time of the incidents, the Phoenix and Bell hotels were solely designated for accommodating refugees and asylum seekers.
Upon arriving in the UK, Abdulrahman claimed his occupation as a sheep farmer from Iraq, although authorities have been unable to verify this claim, the court was told.
Thirty-seven-year-old Rawand Abdulrahman (pictured) has admitted to igniting two separate blazes: the first at the Phoenix Hotel in North Weald, followed by a second fire at The Bell just eight days later
An investigation by the Essex Fire Service into the Phoenix Hotel blaze concluded that the fire was likely started on purpose, according to a report released on September 17 of last year
Mr. Penny further explained that Abdulrahman was residing in these hotels as part of his ongoing asylum application in the United Kingdom.
The court heard that on March 28, 2025, Mr Abdulrahman set fire to the beds in Room 9 of the Phoenix hotel, where he was initially housed.
The beds were positioned in an ‘L’ shape at the time they were set on fire. The fire spread and entirely destroyed the left wing of the hotel.
There was no loss of life or serious injury after staff acted quickly to activate the fire alarm.
He was moved to another hotel before being transferred to the Bell.
On April 5 of last year, Mr Abdulrahman set fire to both beds in Room 65 of the Bell, where he was staying, at the head and feet of each bed. His roommate was away at the time.
The fire caused significant damage to the room and some damage to the corridor, but due to a different construction of the Phoenix, it did not spread as far and was extinguished before it caused any wider damage.
He was arrested the same day at the scene of the Bell Hotel fire. He was cautioned upon his arrest and made no reply
The Phoenix Hotel fire was investigated by Essex Fire Service investigators, who produced a report dated September 17 last year.
They concluded that the most probable cause of the fire was deliberate ignition, with a minimum area of origin including the left-hand mattress in room 9.
They also concluded that there was a risk of several fatalities, with the rapid development of the fire increasing the risk to occupants and staff, and a risk to responders attempting to save lives.
While admitting to the fires, he has denied the more serious charges of arson with intent to endanger life or acting with reckless disregard for the safety of others
The fire spread and entirely destroyed the left wing of the Phoenix hotel (Pictured: Phoenix hotel)
Both the Phoenix and Bell hotels were being used as dedicated accommodation for refugees and asylum seekers when the fires occurred
The court heard that the cause of the fire at the Bell was also investigated, with a report finished a day earlier.
The conclusion was that the most probable cause of the fire was deliberate ignition, through the introduction of a naked flame to material on the bed, or the mattresses themselves, with a risk of fatalities.
Quick actions of staff had also prevented this, the court heard.
Ahead of today’s trial, Mr Abdulrahman admitted two counts that he started the fires at both hotels and that he intended to or was reckless to the fact that the property would be damaged or destroyed.
However, he denies more serious charges that the arsons were carried out with the intention to or that they were reckless to endanger lives.
The court was told that he accepts that he started the fires at both hotels.
However, he insists that he did not intend to endanger life by starting the fires, nor was he reckless as to whether life would be endangered.
Mr Penny said it was the crown’s case that after seeing the outcome of the Phoenix fire, it was not possible for him to be unaware that when starting the second fire, it would put lives at risk.
