Cash feud alleged motivation behind fatal house fire
A 23-year-old roofer from Bradbury has been charged with allegedly setting on fire an Elderslie family home, in retribution for money owed.
Macarthur
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An alleged arson attempt on a family home in Elderslie, which killed one of three accused home invaders, was allegedly motivated by an ongoing feud over $10,000.
Jayden Reed, of Bradbury, appeared at Campbelltown Local Court on Friday accused of being a “principal of a joint criminal enterprise”. The other member of the alleged criminal enterprise was Hayden Forrest, who died in the June 1 blaze.
Police allege Reed, a 23-year-old roofer who lives with his mum, broke into the Crank Place home in retribution for money owed.
Police say the man who owed $10,000 to Forrest had previously lived at the Elderslie address.
The court heard that before the alleged home invasion took place, the duo visited the house and made demands for the cash.
When told the man they were looking for had moved out, Forrest replied “you better not be f**king with us because we are ready to blow this house”.
The police prosecutor told the court the Reed and Forrest spent the night of June 1 at Bradbury Hotel and Narellan Hotel, before catching the courtesy bus to a Narellan Vale address.
At the Narellan Vale address, Forrest allegedly picked up a 10L jerry can of petrol before the pair made their way to the Elderslie home.
It’s alleged the men, covering their faces with jumpers, smashed their way into the home and began smashing glasses inside the kitchen. Six people were inside the home at the time.
The court heard Forrest, while lighting the fire, got trapped in the media room. Reed then fled the scene.
Police allege Reed dropped his mobile phone inside the home and then crashed the getaway away car. He then allegedly deserted the car on a nearby street and hailed a cab home.
The Bradbury man told police on Thursday night he took no part in the alleged break and enter, and only entered the family home to help once it was on fire.
He has been charged with destroy/damage property with intent to endanger life, destroy property in company by fire, aggravated break and enter in company, destroy/damage property in company and armed with intent.
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The police prosecutor opposed bail and told Magistrate Shane McAnulty that Reed would present a significant risk to the community and would potentially interfere with witnesses and evidence.
Mr McAnulty granted bail with strict conditions, including a $50,000 surety, daily reporting, curfew from 8pm to 5am and no drugs or alcohol.
Reed will return to Picton Local Court on October 30.
Investigations into the incident, under Strike Force Cavenagh, are continuing.