A 29-year-old man has reappeared in court over his alleged involvement in a spate of fires in East Bunbury.
Jonathon Richard Anthony attended Bunbury Magistrates Court, via video link from the Frankland Centre, charged with criminal damage by fire and wilfully lighting a fire likely to injure or damage.
Police allege Mr Anthony – around 10.30am on Monday, December 10, 2018 – lit small fires at Adam Road Primary School.
Mr Anthony then allegedly lit a fire at St Mark’s Church, East Bunbury around 11am.
He allegedly lit another fire in bushland near Robertson Drive.
He was apprehended by police later that day.
Neighbours rushed to put out the blaze at the church, before firefighters arrived on the scene.
Mr Anthony’s defence counsel, Michael Joubert, said he and staff at the Frankland Centre recently discussed his client’s welfare.
Mr Joubert said Mr Anthony, if granted bail, would continue his treatment as an involuntary patient in a civil psychiatric facility in Bunbury.
He said the Frankland Centre’s treatment beds should be reserved for more serious criminal matters.
The defence revealed Mr Anthony’s mother – his primary carer – had expressed concern for her son’s wellbeing.
He said Mr Anthony, if transferred, would be able to secure some financial stability via Centrelink.
A Frankland Centre representative told the court that Mr Anthony would benefit from being transferred to Bunbury.
Police prosecutor sergeant Karl Rep said public/community safety should be taken into account.
Magistrate David Maclean called for a psychiatric report, before remanding the matter to Monday, April 29.
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