A teenager has been cleared of starting a fire in a lean-to attached to an industrial unit in Brockenhurst where he was squatting.

Judge Nicholas Rowland accepted a submission from defence barrister Robert Pawson over the strength of the evidence.

Daniel Gwennap, 18, of no fixed abode, was accused of arson when reckless as to whether property would be damaged. He told police he had accidentally started the fire after lighting candles in the lean-to and then fell asleep.

When he realised what had happened, he phoned the fire brigade.

At the end of the hearing, the judge advised him: “Be careful the next time you sleep rough.”

Gwennap replied: “I certainly won’t be using candles.”