Andrew Measor, 51, claimed robbers had handcuffed him to the wheel of his van and he had only managed to raise the alarm by dialing the number with his nose.
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Who Wants to be a Millionaire theme tune writer set fire to his £1million home
Matthew Strachan, 49, admitted arson but denies a more serious charge of arson with intent of being reckless to endanger life at Kingston Crown Court. He is an award-winning composer (Image: Reach PLC)
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Kingston Crown Court heard Strachan started two fires in the middle of two rooms at his southwest London home in March last year.
He admits arson but denies a more serious charge of arson with intent or being reckless to endanger life.
Prosecutor Charlotte Hole told the court his neighbours were a couple with two children - but all of them were out at the time of the fires.
The court heard the fires did not spread to the neighbouring house or cause any smoke damage.
The composer will next appear at Kingston Crown Court in July (Image: Reach Plc)