Man charged with arson

A car, garage and part of a residential property  were significantly damaged. Photo: Tracey Roxburgh
A car, garage and part of a residential property were significantly damaged by the fire. Photo: Tracey Roxburgh

A 21-year-old  man was remanded in custody by Judge Mark Callaghan yesterday, facing five charges, including arson.

Dillan Wilson (21), a blocklayer, has been charged with two counts of burglary of a Rere Road property, in Lake Hayes Estate; intentionally damaging the dwelling by fire knowing danger to life was likely to ensue; dishonestly taking a Toyota vehicle, property of Romyelli Romagnoli; and driving while forbidden, all dated May 16.

The arson charge carries with it a maximum sentence of 14 years' imprisonment.

Judge Callaghan remanded the matter to June 11, but advised Wilson, who appeared via audiovisual link, that once he had assigned counsel he could make an application for bail.

The Otago Daily Times reported yesterday that about 20 volunteer firefighters were called to the property just after 3am last Wednesday and put out a fire which appeared to have started in the garage, destroying a car, before partly spreading to the house.

No-one was injured in the blaze, although a cat was understood to have died.

Four people were in the house but escaped.

It is understood they were a woman and her children.

 

 

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