Whitsundays arson: Eric Owen Johnston charged after Ford Ranger allegedly set on fire

A man who allegedly set fire to a Ford Ranger parked in a carport following a dispute has faced court for the first time. Witnesses towed the vehicle out of the carport before the home sustained significant damage. UPDATED

A man who allegedly set fire to a Ford Ranger parked in a carport following a dispute has faced court for the first time. Witnesses towed the vehicle out of the carport before the home sustained significant damage. UPDATED

A man has been charged after he allegedly set fire to a Ford Ranger parked in a carport following a dispute.

Eric Owen Johnston was refused bail and appeared in Mackay Magistrates Court later in the morning, on a videolink from the Whitsundays sporting a dark blue polo and greying beard.

Police will allege that on Wednesday around 5pm at Strathdickie in the Whitsundays, the 53-year-old man set fire to a green Ford Ranger parked in a carport at a Laurina Drive address.

Eric Owen Johnston appeared in Mackay Magistrates Court on Thursday, August 15, 2024, after police alleged that on Wednesday around 5pm in the Whitsundays he set fire to a green Ford Ranger parked in a Strathdickie carport. Photo: Contributed

Witnesses towed the vehicle out of the carport before the home sustained significant damage.

Emergency services extinguished the fires and no one was injured during the drama.

Police prosecutor Senior Constable JE McDonald

Defence lawyer Peta Blundel with PD Law said there would be no bail application and requested a committal mention date be listed.

Magistrate Katherine Howard ordered a brief of evidence in relation to the arson charge due on September 26 and the matter transferred to Proserpine Magistrates Court.

He has been charged with one count each of arson and common assault.

Mr Johnston’s matters were adjourned for committal mention to October 14 and he was remanded in custody.