Man admits to massage parlour arsons

A prisoner has admitted charges relating to arson attacks on two Christchurch massage parlours which caused more than $270,000 damage.

David John Tate, 43, who is facing drugs charges, yesterday admitted two counts of being party to arson, and one each of being a party to attempted arson and conspiring to commit arson, just before a jury was to be empanelled for his trial.

Tate was remanded in custody for sentence on Friday by Christchurch District Court Judge David Saunders, who called for probation and reparation reports.