UPDATE:
Braydon Poole, 20, of Maryborough, has appeared in the Bendigo Magistrates’ Court charged with 19 counts of arson in relation to fires north west of Ballarat.
Poole appeared via video link from Bendigo Police Station and did not apply for bail.
He has been charged in relation to fires in Bealiba, Avoca, Lexton, Waubra, Miners Rest, Archdale, Landplough, Emu and Kororee.
The court heard Poole would be vulnerable in custody as he has an intellectual and learning disability, and it was his first time in custody.
He will also require treatment for a ruptured tendon in his left hand, which had recently been operated on.
TWO men in their 20’s will face court charged with arson in relation to several farm fires, including one in Miner’s Rest, in January and February.
Central Goldfields Detectives executed a search warrant at 8.30am at a house in Barr Street, Maryborough.
Police arrested a 20-year-old man, seizing a number of items of interest.
The man was charged with 19 counts of arson relating to farms fires in Bealiba, Avoca, Lexton, Waubra, Miners Rest, Archdale, Landplough, Emu and Kororee.
Hay stacks were targeted on these properties and after receiving the charges the man was refused bail and will front the Bendigo Magistrates’ Court today.
Police executed a second warrant at a Burke Street Maryborough address and arrested a 21-year-old man.
He was charge with 10 charges of arson relating to the same fires. He was release and will appear in Maryborough Magistrates’ Court on Thursday for a file hearing.
Sergeant Kris Hamilton said a 20-year-old Bealiba man was arrested at his house on Wehlan Road this morning and is currently being interviewed.
