Whittington man Allan Pilling allegedly lit home on fire

A Whittington man who allegedly set a house on fire twice within a matter of hours has faced court.

Allan Pilling allegedly set fire to his Whittington home. Picture: Facebook.

A man who allegedly set fire to his Whittington home has faced court.

Allan James Pilling, 45, allegedly set the home on fire at 5.30pm and was again allegedly responsible for another fire at 10pm the same day.

Police have alleged the first fire occurred after Mr Pilling set a small timber item on fire at the front of the home, causing the air vents to fill with smoke and ignite the cavity inside the walls.

They alleged the second fire was started in the ceiling.

Mr Pilling appeared at the Geelong Magistrates Court on Wednesday to face the arson charge and was refused bail.

He has not yet entered a plea.

Police attend the scene of a fire in Explore Court, Whittington. Picture: Brad Fleet

Mr Pilling’s lawyer, Aleisha McCarron, said the case was “weak” and there was no evidence the fires were set intentionally.

Ms McCarron also told the court that Fire Rescue Victoria attended the first fire and deemed it an accident.

She said Mr Pilling was cooking at the time.

“There is no evidence to support the charge,” Ms McCarron said.

The court was told Mr Pilling approached a neighbour after the second fire started but she claimed she became uncomfortable and intimidated because he was allegedly staring at her.

The ceiling has “completely collapsed” and there is fire damage to the wall, making it unsuitable for Mr Pilling to return.

Given there is no suitable address and Mr Pilling allegedly has drug abuse issues, Magistrate Ann McGarvie refused bail.

“There is nothing stopping him from using drugs out there,” she said.

Mr Pilling was remanded to appear back in court in early April.

Originally published as Whittington man Allan Pilling allegedly lit home on fire