A MAN accused of arson after a stable fire killed four horses has appeared in court charged with further offences.

Darren Butlin attended Stevenage Magistrates’ Court on Friday charged with theft and trespassing at a stable yard in Benington Road, Walkern.

The 44-year-old is alleged to have stolen a chainsaw, air rifle, Honda generator, strimmer and equestrian equipment in a haul worth £25,000 while trespassing on the land in October last year.

Butlin, of Moors Ley in Walkern, is also accused of setting fire to the stables, where four horses were found dead.

He was granted conditional bail ahead of a plea and case management hearing for all charges at Cambridge Crown Court on March 15.