Man to face court after being charged with Casino tobacconist shop fire

A Northern NSW man found in a backyard with extensive burns has been charged with arson after a blaze at a Casino tobacconist. Here’s what police allege.

Fire tore through a tobacco and gift store on March 9 in Casino. Picture: Peter Horodeski

A South Grafton man has been extradited from Queensland over an alleged arson attack on a tobacconist shop at Casino earlier this month.

Carl William Laurie, 38, appeared before Tweed Heads Local Court today after being charged with one count of damaging property by fire greater than $15,000.

Officers from Richmond Police District were called to a tobacconist on Barker St, Casino, following reports of a fire about 3.40am on March 9.

Crews from Fire and Rescue NSW extinguished the blaze; however, the building sustained significant damage.

Crews from Fire and Rescue NSW extinguished the blaze; however, the building sustained significant damage. Picture: Peter Horodeski

Local police established a crime scene and began initial inquiries, before the matter was referred to the State Crime Command’s Financial Crimes Squad’s Arson Unit for investigation under Strike Force Tobacco.

On March 10, local police were called to Barker St after a man was reported loitering in a rear yard.

Police located the man and he was suffering significant burns to his body including legs, hands, arms, face and torso.

He was taken to Lismore Base Hospital under police guard, before officers discontinued his arrest and he was transferred to Royal Brisbane Hospital for treatment to extensive burns.

After further inquiries, the man was arrested by Queensland Police and taken to Brisbane Watch House on March 27.

NSW strike force detectives travelled to Brisbane Magistrates Court where they were granted extradition of the 38-year-old to NSW where he was charged at Tweed Heads Police Station.

Laurie was bail refused and is to appear at Casino Local Court on April 6.