A former soldier who admitted to setting fire to the constituency office of Labour MP Sharon Hodgson has been placed under an interim hospital order as he awaits sentencing. Josh Oliver, who had been living rough near the offices of the MP for Washington and Gateshead South, started the fire in September of the previous year by igniting a bin store, resulting in the destruction of the building.

The court ordered the hospital measure ahead of Oliver's sentencing, which is scheduled for December 10. Details regarding the reasons for the hospital order were not disclosed, but such orders are typically issued when mental health assessments or treatment are necessary before a final sentence is determined. The incident drew attention due to the targeted nature of the arson and the impact on a public representative’s facility. Authorities and court officials continue to handle the matter as it moves toward resolution.