Shooting estate manager will deny arson over fire which caused more than £2million worth of damage at 14th Century Michelin-starred restaurant, court hears

Charles Birkett, a game bird and deer shooting estate manager from Helmsley (pictured left), appeared at Scarborough Magistrates' Court on Monday after being charged in connection with the blaze at the thatched 14th-century Star Inn at Harome, near Helmsley, North Yorkshire, in November 2021. The 28-year-old, who works for his family business Rievaulx Sporting, which operates just five miles away from the pub, spoke only to confirm his name, address and date of birth during the brief hearing. Birkett was not asked to enter a plea to the charge of arson with recklessness as to whether property would be destroyed or life endangered, but his solicitor Damien Morrison indicated that he would be pleading not guilty. The 14th century gastro-pub had excelled since chef patron Andrew Pern (inset) arrived in 1996. Right: The aftermath of the fire.