Accused arsonist denied bail

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A man accused of setting fire to the home he shared with his girlfriend and two children was remanded to Her Majesty’s Prison yesterday when he made his first appearance in the All Saints Magistrate’s Court.
Halstead Frith, who did not have legal counsel, must return to court on August 1 for commital proceedings before Magistrate Ngaio Emanuel.
On that date, the magistrate is expected to indicate whether the evidence submitted meets the standard required to forward it to the High Court.
The 54-year-old Grays Farm man was not required to enter a plea or say anything in his defense since the charge is indictable and can therefore be tried only before a judge and jury.
Frith is accused of “arson” after he allegedly set fire to the three-bedroom, 22×35 wooden home on May 9.
The property which was located at Jonas Road, Sandersons, was completely destroyed.
The police reported earlier that the accused and his partner had an argument over a cellular phone on May 8 and the woman made a complaint to the All Saints Police Station.
Lawmen said they detained Frith and kept him in custody overnight.
The accused allegedly went home as soon as he was released the following morning but returned to the All Saints Police Station shortly afterwards and reported that his home was on fire.
By the time firemen arrived, the house was reduced to charred wood and burnt galvanise.

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