Arthur Bruce More back in court for arson charge

The case against a man accused of crashing into and then torching an Aldershot home in an act of domestic violence was back before the courts this morning.

What remains of the Aldershot property that was allegedly deliberately set alight on Monday afternoon.

The next steps in the case against an alleged arsonist were heard at the Hervey Bay Magistrates Court on Thursday, January 23.

Arthur Bruce More was arrested and charged with one count each of arson and dangerous operation of a vehicle with prior conviction (domestic violence offence) after he allegedly crashed a white Isuzu D-Max utility into a Sapphire St property before allegedly deliberately setting the house on fire about 3pm on Monday, January 20.

His court date was set for Tuesday, but was pushed back as he was still recovering in Hervey Bay Hospital.

Mr More’s defence lawyer, Virginia Ukpabi of Geldard Sherrington, told the court he was still in hospital with the burns he sustained in the alleged incident and would not be making an appearance via video link.

Ms Ukpabi was confident the matter could progress next week and sought an adjournment for Tuesday, January 28.

Magistrate Stephen Guttridge acknowledged the matter would take time to resolve and aimed to list it for a “lengthy period” so briefs for each charge could be prepared by the prosecution in time for its next mention.

The matter was adjourned to March 13, 2025 for a committal mention.

Mr More was remanded in custody and his defence made no application for bail.