Morphett Vale man, Adam Dellit, charged over bungled Clearview tobacco shop arson

A man has been arrested after a bungling alleged arsonist accidentally set himself alight during an attempt to burn down a tobacco shop.

An alleged arsonist who set himself on fire while trying to burn down a tobacco shop has been arrested and charged.

Cloud Mini Market on Hampstead Rd, Clearview, was targeted by a firebomber on October 4 in an incident police believe was linked to South Australia’s underground tobacco wars.

However, the early-morning attack backfired and CCTV footage showed the culprit fleeing after his clothes caught alight, while the store suffered only exterior damage.

On Monday, police detained Adam Dellit, a 33-year-old man from Morphett Vale and charged him with arson and further offences.

CCTV captured next door to Cloud Mini Market in Clearview showed a person attempting to set the shop on fire using a molotov cocktail.

Seconds after the blaze erupts, they can be seen running in the opposite direction with their clothes alight.

He did not apply for police bail, nor did he make an application before Magistrate Natalie Browne in the Adelaide Magistrates Court on Tuesday.

Mr Dellit is yet to enter a plea to one count each of arson of a building or motor vehicle, making off without payment and driving a car with an incorrect number plate.

He was remanded in custody, to return to the Port Adelaide Magistrates Court in the new year.

Police said further arrests were likely, with 25 arsons this year referred to SA Police’s Operation Eclipse.

Photos taken the morning after the attack show the store only suffered superficial exterior damage. Picture: Dasha Havrilenko

Twenty-one people have been arrested so far by the anti-tobacco smuggling task-force, on charges including arson, money laundering, and blackmail and criminal trespass.

Authorities from Consumer and Business Services have also seized more than $4m worth of illegal tobacco since July, and in December the state government shut down five outlets selling illegal products under laws introduced earlier this year.

Anyone with information regarding arsons or offences related to Operation Eclipse are asked to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or at www.crimestopperssa.com.au.