Patrick Carroll fire: Cleaner Anthony Jones charged over alleged $160k art theft
A Maitland cleaner has been charged with stealing 87 pieces of art from the scene of the tragic fire that killed prominent Central Coast artist Patrick Carroll.
Newcastle
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A contractor hired to clean up after a fire which killed prominent Central Coast artist Patrick Carroll at The Entrance has been charged with stealing dozens of the dead man’s works, believed to be worth more than $160,000.
Anthony Lesley Jones, of Maitland, appeared at Wyong Local Court today facing 10 charges including larceny (greater than $15,000) and a range of firearms and drug offences.
He asked Magistrate Elizabeth Ellis for a two-week adjournment and when leaving the courthouse covered his face with a black jacket. He sprinted to a nearby car.
Police allege in charge sheets tendered to the court that between December 18, 2019 and January 30, 2020 Mr Jones, 50, stole property belonging to Mr Carroll and his wife Rachael to the value of $160,000.
This included paintings, sketches, sculptures, goblets, trophies, watch, statues and a camera which were at Mr Carroll’s studio in Ebbtide Mall at The Entrance.
Mr Carroll, 69, was trapped within his studio on the first floor of the shopping centre after a lounge outside his shop’s door was allegedly lit by a teenager on October 20.
The 13-year-old, who police allege went to the first floor with four others before lighting the lounge, has since been charged with manslaughter.
Mr Carroll, a prolific and celebrated artist, had been putting the final brushstrokes to a painting for an exhibition in Manly, when the blaze took hold.
He desperately called triple-0 after realising he could not escape through either his door, which the blaze was behind, or a window, which had security grills. He was pulled free by rescuers but died of smoke inhalation.
Following the fire, owners called in contractors to help clean up the damaged mall, including the art studio.
Strike Force Zorianna, involving the financial crime squad’s arson unit and Tuggerah Lakes detectives, was set up to investigate the fatal fire.
They allege many of Mr Carroll’s valuable works had been stolen from the shop during the decontamination and structural assessments.
The investigation led them to Mr Jones, who was arrested at a Bateau Bay worksite on May 14.
Police also allegedly seized an air rifle, pen gun, an electronic stun gun, ammunition and prohibited drugs from the Maitland unit.
Mr Jones was granted strict conditional bail and will appear at Wyong Local Court on June 16.