A trial date has been set for a man accused of using unlawful violence towards his girlfriend and starting a fire.  

Luigi Damiani, 51, of Howard Road, Walthamstow, appeared at Snaresbrook Crown Court yesterday charged with two counts of arson and affray. 

He was remanded in custody ahead of the appearance, during which he pleaded not guilty to both charges. 

Police were called to his home on March 9 at 12.20am following reports of a domestic incident during which Damiani was accused of attacking Addolorata Solmenese.

An hour later, fire services arrived to extinguish a small fire started in the kitchen, which was under control by 2am.

A third count of assault has been dropped and Damiani has been remanded in custody for the trial set to commence on the week beginning August 26.