Arson arrest

By Tania Martin
FOLLOWING a spate of blazes in Mount Evelyn, a suspected arsonist has been remanded in custody on 46 bushfire-related charges.
Residents were on high alert last Wednesday (17 February) when seven fires were lit in just under an hour.
The first fire was started in South Avenue shortly after 2.30pm, which was followed by subsequent blazes on Clancy Road, Gardner Parade, Johns Crescent, Fuller and Glenholme roads.
A police helicopter hovered over the town and CFA sirens sounded before a 36-year-old Mount Evelyn man was arrested.
He was intercepted while driving above the prescribed limit and later questioned over the fires.
Lilydale CIU Detective Senior Sergeant Allan Price said the man was found near one of the fire scenes and taken into custody.
“They were only small grass fires and they were never out of control at any stage,” he said.
“We had a number of police saturate the area and subsequently we’ve now got someone assisting with inquiries,” Det Sen Sgt Price said.
The man, whose name has been suppressed, appeared in an out-of -sessions court hearing last Wednesday night at Lilydale Police Station but did not apply for bail. Police informant, Detective Senior Constable Bridgette De Chirico opposed bail as she said the accused posed an unacceptable risk to the community.
Det Sen Const De Chirico told the bail justice that the man had admitted to being depressed at the time of the offences and had an alcohol problem.
“He said he had difficulty controlling his behaviour while under the influence,” Det Sen Const De Chirico said.
The Mount Evelyn man has been charged with 46 fire-related offences including 23 counts of deliberately lighting a bushfire and 23 counts of conduct endangering life.
He was also arrested for drink driving.
The man faces up to 10 years’ jail for each count of conduct endangering life and up two years for each fire-related offence.
Police have been investigating the fires in the Mount Evelyn area since September and Det Sen Sgt Price said the community had been a great help.
Police are continuing investigations and are calling for any witnesses to come forward.
The Mount Evelyn man has been placed in protective custody and will reappear before the Melbourne Magistrates’ Court on 14 May.