A 32-year-old man has pleaded guilty to arson, murder and grievous bodily harm today after setting fire to a block of flats in Reading which killed two people.

Hakeem Kigundu, 32, started a fire at Rowe Court, where he used to live, which ripped through the building, trapping residents inside on December 15.

Richard Burgess, aged 46, and Neil Morris, aged 45, were killed and two other people were seriously injured.

“Kigundu’s actions were devastating. Because he started a fire, Richard Burgess and Neil Morris have lost their lives, two other people have been seriously injured and all the residents have lost their homes and treasured possessions,” said Detective Inspector Sally Spencer.

Reading Chronicle:

“The families of Mr Burgess and Mr Morris in particular have had to endure the unimaginable pain of waiting weeks for the bodies of their loved ones to be recovered from the site, as the building was so badly damaged that it was unsafe to remove them more quickly.”

READ MORE: Reading man decribes jumping from burning Rowe Court flats

While Kigundu was arrested later the same day of the fire, it took a total of 47 days to recover the bodies of the deceased.

Today, September 20, Kigundu pleaded guilty at Reading Crown Court to two counts of murder, two counts of grievous bodily harm and one count of arson with intent to endanger life.

Reading Chronicle: Hakeem KigunduHakeem Kigundu (Image: TVP)

“I want to thank the families of Mr Burgess and Mr Morris, all the residents of Rowe Court who have lost their homes in such tragic circumstances, and the wider community for their cooperation and support during this extremely difficult time,” said DI Spencer.

“I’m pleased that Kigundu has pleaded guilty today, and that the families of Mr Burgess and Mr Morris will at least be spared the trauma of a trial.”

Kigundu will be sentenced at the same court over a two day hearing scheduled to take place on October 6 and 7.