A 99-year-old Melbourne man will stand trial for arson after appearing in court to plead not guilty to a charge that he caused $150,000-worth of damage to a relative's property.
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The man, who cannot be identified, appeared before Melbourne Magistrates Court on Thursday charged with a single count of arson.
"I do not know the law. I will not plead guilty today," the man said through an interpreter when magistrate Donna Bakos asked for a plea.
Ms Bakos recorded a plea of not guilty and committed the man to stand trial in the County Court.
It is not yet known when the man will stand trial, but it's possible he could have turned 100 by the time his trial is listed.
He is due to appear before the County Court on Friday for a directions hearing.
Police allege the man set fire to a property in Melbourne's eastern suburbs on September 22 last year. The property belongs to family members.
The fire caused $150,000 worth of damage, police allege.
The man walked in and out of court with a walking stick and was supported by two men and his lawyer.
He appeared hard of hearing at times while his case was before the court.
Ms Bakos extended the man's bail for him to live at a nursing home. He must comply with a family violence order as part of his bail conditions.
