Dion Robert James Mead faces court charged with arson after allegedly setting his family home alight

A young father wept as a court heard he allegedly set his family home alight after borrowing his neighbour’s push bike and jerry can.

A southern suburbs father has wiped away tears as he made a bid for bail after he allegedly set his family home alight and left it inhabitable.

Dion Robert James Mead, 28, appeared via video link in the Christies Beach Magistrate Court on Tuesday after he was arrested and charged with arson.

The court heard Mr Mead and his partner had an argument in their Christies Beach home on March 28, prompting Mr Mead to borrow his neighbours push bike and a jerry can.

It is further alleged Mr Mead then travelled to the nearby On The Run before returning to the property and setting it alight.

Dion Robert James Mead was charged with arson. Picture: Facebook

“I understand the accused is denying the offence,” the police prosecutor said.

“The matters into the investigation are still ongoing … a neighbour did witness him riding off with the jerry can.”

The court heard the home was condemned inhabitable and police allege the estimated damage to be $150,000.

Ross Colthorpe, defence counsel for Mr Mead, made an application for bail saying his client was nowhere near the property at the time of the alleged offending.

“He was staying with his cousins on the other side of town and didn’t know there was a fire,” Mr Colthorpe told the court.

The Christies Beach home Dion Robert James Mead allegedly set on fire. Picture: Todd Lewis

“We don’t know how the fire started … They (prosecution) say it’s suspicious but I don’t know if there has been any evidence.

“The other evidence that suggests him is by people that don’t know him by name.

“He just wants to be home with his daughter and partner.”

The court heard Mr Mead’s long standing criminal history included possessing controlled drugs, carrying an offensive weapon and a number of thefts.

Magistrate Kylie Schulz told the court that although Mr Mead had a significant history of offending, none was similar to arson.

“Given the defence submission that there is an alibi, it could seem investigation is at an early stage,” she said.

Ms Schulz ordered a home detention report and Mr Mead will return to court later this month.