A man has admitted setting fire to the mosque in Peacehaven but denied trying to harm anyone.
The mosque was occupied and lights were on when a fire was allegedly started with accelerant on its front steps on the night of Saturday 4 October last year.
On Friday (1 May), at the Central Criminal Court, better known as the Old Bailey, Ricky Ryder pleaded guilty to arson that was reckless as to whether life was endangered.
Ryder, 38, of Richington Way, Seaford, pleaded not guilty to a charge of arson with intent to endanger life and two further charges of arson relating to the vehicles.
Jack Slowey, 34, of Mayfield Avenue, Peacehaven, pleaded not guilty to all four charges.
A case management hearing is due to take place at the Old Bailey on Friday 9 October.
The pair are scheduled to face a trial by jury starting on Tuesday 1 December at Kingston Crown Court.
Three other men have been arrested in relation to the fire at the mosque including a 38-year-old man, from Brighton, who was held on suspicion of malicious communication and criminal damage.
A 36-year-old man, from Eastbourne, was arrested on suspicion of conspiring to commit arson.
And a 42-year-old man, from Saltdean, was held on suspicion of malicious communication and encouraging or assisting a crime as part of a group – contrary to section 45 of the Serious Crime Act 2007.
All three were released on bail until Tuesday 23 June.
