Benjamin Sutherland charged after fire at Surfers Paradise hotel

The events leading up to a fire that caused tens of thousands of dollars’ worth of damage to a Gold Coast hotel have been revealed as the man charged over the incident faces court.

A man charged after a fire caused tens of thousands of dollars’ worth of damage to a Surfers Paradise hotel has been freed on bail.

Benjamin Frederick Sutherland was charged with endangering particular property by fire and wilful damage after the incident at a hotel on the Gold Coast Highway on October 24.

Emergency services were called to the scene at about 7.30pm, finding a small fire on the seventh floor of the building.

It was reported at the time that the fire caused significant damage, with water sprinklers set off by the smoke flooding units on the fifth, sixth and seventh floors.

Mr Sutherland, 43, was arrested at the scene and remanded in custody.

His bail application was opposed by police prosecutions on Monday, with Southport Magistrates Court told the case against him seemed “relatively strong” and that his alleged acts were seemingly linked to mental health and substance use.

Defence solicitor Troy Smith said Mr Sutherland’s ill mother had died while he was on his way to the Gold Coast to see her, with her passing triggering a relapse.

Mr Smith said his client would be able to remain on the Gold Coast with his cousin’s support while working towards getting a place in a rehabilitation facility.

Magistrate Anna Smith granted Mr Sutherland conditional bail, saying he had no criminal history and would otherwise spend significant time in custody before his case reached the higher courts.

His matter was adjourned to November 28.

Originally published as Benjamin Sutherland charged after fire at Surfers Paradise hotel