ST. CLAIRSVILLE — The trial of a Bridgeport man accused to aggravated arson ended in its second day Wednesday, when Douglas Gray pleaded guilty to the charge.

His sentencing was set for July 31, and he faces a maximum of eight years for the second-degree felony. His sentence will be handed down by Belmont County Common Pleas Judge Frank Fregiato.

Monday was the first day of the trial and included testimony from law enforcement as well as the victims and homeowners, Lana and George Hickenbottom. The charges stem from an incident that occurred early Jan. 5 when, according to the county prosecutor’s office, Gray broke into a garage at a Roscoe Road residence in Richland Township and apparently set a fire inside one of the vehicles he found there. The prosecutor’s office believes the crime was motivated by animosity toward the homeowners.

The fire damage was contained mostly to the garage with some smoke damage to the interior of the home.

The two vehicles in the garage were total losses, as were numerous other items and tools inside. The garage structure required substantial repairs due to heat damage. However, the prosecution also noted the danger that had been posed to the victims and the house by Gray in the course of his crime.

“If they hadn’t gotten out when they did, the fire would have spread into the home eventually,” Belmont County Assistant Prosecutor Joseph Vavra said. “The fact that they got out when they did, they called 911 and got the fire department there saved the house.”

Restitution will be determined during sentencing. Gray, 42, was taken into custody immediately upon entering his plea.