A man accused of setting Bedford Middle School on fire back in 2020, was sentenced to six years in prison Friday.

There was a major update in the redevelopment of the old Bedford Middle School Thursday, more than two years after an arson ripped through the building.

Flint, who is diagnosed with autism, is assumed to be competent to withstand trial. But questions remain over his mental capacity.

Clinical physiologist, Dr. Robert Haxter, testified that he conducted a mental health evaluation on Flint and suggested either a guardianship or supervised residence based on the defendant’s autism diagnosis and condition.

The man accused of setting the old Bedford Middle School on fire in January 2020 has pleaded guilty.

A review hearing will be held once the evaluation is complete.

BEDFORD, Va – The man accused of setting the old Bedford Middle School on fire appeared in court Monday afternoon. Daniel Flint waived his rights to a preliminary hearing but is now facing a different burglary charge related to his alleged role in the fire along with a felony arson charge. The fire broke out on Jan. 23 of last year causing major damage to the old Bedford Middle School. Bedford’s Commonwealth’s Attorney Wes Nance says the changed burglary charge is consistent with evidence that would have been presented if the preliminary hearing happened. The court expects these charges to be certified by a grand jury in April and will likely set a court date then.

BEDFORD, Va – Just over a year ago fire ripped through the walls of the old Bedford Middle School, a tragic event that brought people from all corners of Bedford. When the old Bedford Middle School was set on fire on Jan. 23, 2020, developer Dave McCormack promised he would continue his plan to transform the building into apartments and a boutique hotel, even as he watched the building burn. Before and after from the sky of the old Bedford Middle SchoolOn Monday, those plans became one step closer to reality. The building was originally built as Bedford High School and was part of the town’s D-Day and World War II history. Flint was set to appear in court the same day of the groundbreaking but his court date was pushed back.

BEDFORD, Va – Nearly one year after the old Bedford Middle School was set on fire, the suspected arsonist appeared in court Wednesday afternoon. Daniel Flint is facing two felony charges of arson and burglary. Daniel Flint is facing two felony charges of arson and burglary. Bedford County Commonwealth’s Attorney Wes Nance says the coronavirus pandemic has caused a setback in court-related issues. Flint’s new preliminary trial date is set for Jan. 25 in Bedford County General District Court.