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Man charged with starting fatal fire in Australia
Ed Harris13.02.09
A man was today charged with "arson causing death" in connection with one of the bush fires that have swept Australia, killing more than 180 people.
Reports said the man was charged with lighting a fire which killed at least 21 people near the town of Churchill, 90 miles from Melbourne.
The 39-year-old suspect, who is from Churchill but cannot be named, was charged with one count of arson causing death and another of intentionally lighting a bush fire.
The arson charge carries a maximum penalty of 25 years, with the bush fire charge carrying a maximum penalty of 15 years.
Both charges relate to bush fires last Saturday. The man, who was also charged with possessing images of child pornography, was arrested in Churchill yesterday.
Detective Sen-Sgt Adam Shoesmith said the suspect was arrested in a public place and "went without a fight".
At a remand hearing his legal aid lawyer suggested that his client was psychologically unwell. "The accused is in a fragile mental state," the lawyer said. "He should be seen to by a doctor."
The suspect was remanded to appear at Melbourne magistrates' on Monday.
The death toll from the bush fires stands at 181, but is expected to reach almost 300. Prime minister Kevin Rudd has described them as "mass murder".
Fire fighters are still trying to battle at least a dozen different blazes.
Reader views (2)
In response to Pat, every year there are devastating fires in Australia because the stupid invaders of that country built in 'bush / scrub' which has high alcohol content eucalyptus trees as well as other types of trees which naturally combust at high temperatures in order to propogate. And every year aborigines are accused of starting the fires. Which could be viewed as terrorism or racism depending how you want to see it.
- Real, London
Terrorists said last year that they would commit acts of terrorism by starting forest fires in Australia and America. Looks like they have started.
- Pat, Essex
