Man charged with murder following fatal Bognor fire
A 60-year-old man died in the blaze last month
Last updated 19th May 2021
Police investigating a fire in Bognor have charged a man with murder.
Officers were called to reports of a deliberate fire in the front garden of a property in Oak Grove at around 8.15pm on April 8th.
60-year-old Mark Stoakes, suffered burn injuries and died in hospital on April 30th.
Aaron Wilks, who is 37, unemployed and of Ash Grove, Bognor, was charged with grievous bodily harm, arson and throwing or casting an explosive substance with intent to burn, maim, disfigure, disable or do grievous bodily harm.
Following the death of Mr Stoakes, Sussex Police liaised with the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) in relation to the charges for Wilks and he was subsequently charged with murder.
He will appear at Portsmouth Crown Court for trial on November 29th.
Detective Inspector Pauline Lane of Sussex Police said:
"Our teams have worked tirelessly on this investigation and following consultation with the CPS, we have charged a man with murder.
"I extend my heartfelt condolences to Mark Stoakes’ family and friends for this terrible loss and assure the local community that this is being investigated as a top priority.
"Together with our partners we work hard to tackle crime in Arun and are carrying out high-visibility patrols in key areas to combat this.
"Although it’s important to provide a visible policing presence, we also very much need your support in keeping the community safe.
"If you are a victim or witness of criminal or suspicious behaviour please report it directly to Sussex Police on 101 or through the charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111."