Logan man in Beenleigh Court for alleged Ormeau factory arson
Explosive new details have emerged surrounding a Gold Coast warehouse allegedly torched on Saturday night. The man police allege is responsible has faced court.
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Explosive new details have emerged surrounding a Gold Coast warehouse, allegedly deliberately set on fire on Saturday night, as the man police claim is responsible faced court.
Emergency services were called to the Stoddart Group premises on Ormeau’s Lahrs Rd at 9.40pm on November 11 after reports of smoke coming from the roof.
A Queensland Fire and Emergency Services spokesperson said 16 crews, including senior firefighters, attended the blaze.
It took well over an hour to be brought under control.
Yarrabilba’s Risati Penufu, 53, was charged with arson of a structure or building, enter premises with intent and wilful damage.
Police alleged Mr Penufu was a former, disgruntled employee of the factory.
He allegedly broke into to the building about 9.40pm on Saturday and damaged a number of electronics and machinery inside, the court heard.
Police alleged he then used an accelerant to light a fire at the building before leaving the scene, the court was told.
Fire crews extinguished the blaze by 11pm but remained at the site until early Sunday morning.
Mr Penufu faced Beenleigh Magistrates Court this morning, November 13, while remanded in custody. He did not apply for bail.
His lawyer, Corey Cook, said an adjournment was needed to arrange an interpreter.
“We will need a Tongan interpreter so he can understand the complexity of the legal system,” he said.
Magistrate Gary Finger adjourned the matter to November 15 in Beenleigh Magistrates Court where Mr Penufu would appear via video link.
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Originally published as Logan man in Beenleigh Court for alleged Ormeau factory arson
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