Victorians have been urged not to threaten the safety of an accused arsonist scheduled to appear in court today over the lighting of a fire that killed 21 people.
The man accused of starting the Churchill-Jeerelang bushfire in Gippsland, in Victoria's east, has been remanded in custody and is due to appear in court today.
The man, who cannot be named, has been charged with one count of arson causing death and one count of intentionally lighting a bushfire.
He was arrested in Churchill last week over the fire that also destroyed scores of homes.
The arson charge carries a maximum penalty of 25 years, with the bushfire charge carrying a maximum penalty of 15 years.
Eight bushfires are still burning out of control around Victoria today, but no towns are under direct threat.
The Kilmore East-Murrindindi fire is still causing concern, but the Beechworth fire in the state's northeast is now considered close to contained.
These pictures show the enormity of what confronted these people
Sunday will be marked as a National Day of mourning for the Bushfire victims..
Hey Mandy..They would be beautiful photos..if it wasnt for the thought that so many lives went up in them..
ReplyDeleteIts hard to contemplate that this was done by one of us..is there a punishment harsh enough to put all this right?
I think that arsonist must be feeling very vulnerable at the moment, he must be very sick in the mind.
ReplyDeleteI love the new look of your blog by the way!
Mandy, I cannot even begin to imagine what may happen to the arsonist...
ReplyDeleteIt has been such a sad week. I am so very proud to be an Australian.
Hope all is well in your household.
Great story, Mandy. You should take up journalism. I'm glad they have caught one of them.
ReplyDeleteTempo....
ReplyDeleteI don`t think there is.....This guy will probably get off with it though..Claim mental health issues like they usually do....I see the death toll has risen also..Now 189 and they are expecting more to be found.....
Tazar....
ReplyDeleteVery sick indeed...I wonder how he is feeling right about now....
Chez....
ReplyDeleteThankfully the good people out way the bad Chez...We had a bogus collector going around here in Adelaide just recently....He was caught but it makes you wonder about the methods people will use to gain financial benefits for themselves when others are in trouble.....I shake my head and wonder why?????
Diane thankyou.....The travel would be good...lol
ReplyDeleteThank you for your kind comments about my family. Your children will be the same when they are in their 30's like mine. I had a few hassles with them when they were teenagers. With your consistancy with rules and love as well as your good role modelling they will turn out fine.
ReplyDeleteHey Mandy that S.O.B must be crazy. I hate to think someone could be that evil AND sane...ooh boy I bet a few crims in Jail are looking forward to getting up close and personal. I don't advocate vigilantism but I can understand the rage people have,Great blog Mandy!!
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