Man charged over arson attack on Hilton vet pleads guilty, gives evidence on co-accused, court hears

A man who confessed to playing a role in an arson attack on a popular South Australian vet clinic has given evidence about his co-accused’s alleged involvement, a court has heard.

A man who confessed to playing a role in an arson attack on a popular South Australian vet clinic has given evidence about his co-accused’s alleged involvement, and has been “very cooperative with police”, a court has heard.

Two men charged with arson after the Hilton Vet went up in flames on March 7 this year appeared in the Adelaide Magistrates Court on Wednesday afternoon due to answer the allegations.

However, Dimitri Iliev, 34, and Diogo Carmo, 20, heard their third co-accused – a man whose identity is suppressed – had already confessed to his part in the alleged revenge attack, pleading guilty to arson.

The prosecutor told Magistrate John Wells that man had provided an affidavit to police, giving evidence that would incriminate Mr Iliev and Mr Carmo.

“I can advise your honour that very recently, the Director has disclosed some very significant materials. The co-accused … pleaded guilty at the last hearing and he is now before the District Court for sentencing,” the prosecutor said.

“Since then, (the man) has been fully cooperative with police – he’s provided a very lengthy interview about his involvement and the involvement of the other two co-accused.

Diogo Carmo has been charged with arson.

Dimitri Iliev has also been charged with arson over the fire at the vet clinic. Pictures: Supplied

“He has provided an interview on July 15, and since then he has provided a signed statement.”

The man is due to appear in the District Court at a later date, ahead of sentencing later this year.

Neither Mr Carmo nor Mr Iliev have entered pleas to the charges.

The Metropolitan Fire Service responded to a fire at the Pets Health Hilton Vet Centre on Sir Donald Bradman Dr, Hilton, just before 2.30am on Thursday, March 7.

Police said two people were allegedly seen approaching the building, smashing the front window shortly before the fire started inside the property.

Pets Health Hilton Vet Centre was destroyed by fire in March. Picture: RoyVphotography

No pets were injured in the fire. Picture: 7NEWS

On the same day the Pets Health Vet Clinic was set on fire, a vet clinic at O’Halloran Hill was also targeted but minimal damage was caused from the alleged attempted arson.

The court previously heard prosecutors would allege Mr Iliev had launched an attack on two vet clinics in revenge after the daughter of the business owner told his fiancee about his alleged affair.

Police prosecutors told the court Mr Iliev’s “planned” attacks on two clinics owned by the same family were out of revenge – their daughter had told Mr Iliev’s then fiancee about the other woman he had allegedly been sleeping with.

Mr Carmo’s lawyer asked the court for a brief adjournment to take further instructions.

Both Mr Carmo and Mr Iliev will return to court in October to formally enter pleas to the charges.