Vic: Extra time granted in case against accused arsonist

AAP General News (Australia)
04-02-2009
Vic: Extra time granted in case against accused arsonist

MELBOURNE, April 2 AAP - Prosecutors have been granted more time to mount their case
against a man charged over a fatal Victorian bushfire.

Brendan Sokaluk, 39, has been charged over the Churchill fire in Victoria's southeast,
which claimed the lives of 11 people and destroyed at least 30 homes.

The accused arsonist had a brief hearing in the Melbourne Magistrates Court on Thursday
but did not attend.

Prosecutors were granted until July 6 - an extra three months - to serve a brief of
evidence on Sokaluk's lawyers.

Magistrate Sarah Dawes remanded Sokaluk in custody to reappear in court for a committal
mention hearing on August 17.

He has made no application for bail.

Sokaluk is charged with single counts of arson causing death, intentionally lighting
a bushfire and possessing child pornography.

The arson charge carries a maximum penalty of 25 years' jail, with the bushfire charge
carrying a maximum penalty of 15 years.

AAP mi/gfr/sn/mn

KEYWORD: SOKALUK

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