A man suspected of being the culprit behind a series of fires in Dunedin, including one at an abandoned former hospital, will continue to be held in prison at this time.
Andrew Magnus Healey, aged 48, made an appearance in the Dunedin District Court earlier today facing five charges of arson, four of which were newly added.
No pleas were made to the charges, and Andrew Dawson, the defense counsel, stated that there would be no request for bail until he had thoroughly examined the evidence against his client.
The first fire occurred on November 14 when emergency crews responded to a fire at Glamis Hospital, a deserted former rest home on Montpellier St that has been a target for vandalism since its closure in 2011.
Senior Station Officer Simon Smith from Dunedin mentioned that seven fire trucks and support vehicles, along with an aerial appliance, and 30 firefighters were needed to combat the fire.
An hour later, firefighters rushed to another fire on Lees St, also believed to be caused by Healey throwing “Molotov cocktails” through a window. Nearby residents had to be evacuated as firefighters worked to contain the flames.
Healey is also accused of setting fire to a Department of Conservation port-a-loo on the same day.
Three days later, he allegedly set fire to an empty commercial building on Harrow St, prompting the response of six fire trucks. Initial concerns about potential occupants inside were later dispelled.
Shortly after, Healey is said to have ignited a stand of trees outside the Otago Pistol Club in Waldronville.
The defendant is scheduled to appear in court again next month.
