Petrie fire: Arson charge for man extradited from Sydney after blaze damaged 10 businesses

A man accused of starting a blaze that significantly damaged 10 businesses at Petrie in early May has faced court for the first time.

The man accused of starting a blaze that significantly damaged 10 businesses at Petrie in early May has faced court for the first time.

Brenton Travis Sinn, 35, appeared via videolink in the Pine Rivers Magistrate Court on Thursday after being extradited from Sydney.

He was charged with arson, enter premises with intent, and attempted enter premises with intent.

A number of businesses were badly damaged in the May 6 fire. Picture: Steve Pohlner

Police allege the man entered the complex on the corner of Beeville and Frenchs roads about 12.20am on May 6 before starting a fire and fleeing the scene.

Several businesses were destroyed or severely damaged, including Bazza’s Bakehouse, French’s Forest IGA and a seafood takeaway shop.

Sinn’s lawyer Andrew Stewart told the court he was seeking a brief of evidence in relation to the arson charge.

The court heard Sinn had handed in a Legal Aid application and Mr Stewart told the court he wasn’t seeking a bail application.

Magistrate Annette Hennessy ordered the brief of evidence for Sinn’s arson charge be provided by July 19.

Magistrate Hennessy adjourned the matter to August 5 for committal mention at the Pine Rivers Magistrate Court and Sinn was remanded in custody.

Court documents reveal the Buderim-born Sinn allegedly fled from a Kallangur property without paying for fuel on May this year, and is accused of the same crime on April 30 at Nambour.

Court documents also allege Sinn unlawfully used a motor vehicle between May 5-10 at Sunrise Beach and again on April 28 at Maroochydore.