Brock Morris: Alleged Berry arsonist’s charges could be dropped, Nowra Local Court told

A young man accused of stealing multiple cars and destroying one in a fire may have a number of his charges dropped, a court has heard. Here’s why.

Brock Morris leaves Nowra Local Court.

A man accused of stealing five cars on the NSW south coast, allegedly damaging one and torching another, could have a number of his charges dropped because of “significant” mental health issues, a court has heard.

Alleged arsonist Brock Morris, 20, faced Nowra Local Court on Tuesday, charged with damaging property by fire or explosion, taking a conveyance without the consent of its owner, larceny, and four counts of stealing a motor vehicle.

The North Nowra man is yet to enter pleas.

Documents tendered to the court allege Morris stole five cars between January 27 and March 9, all in Berry, north of Nowra.

Police allege Morris stole a red Nissan N15 sedan, two white Toyota HiLux utes, a red Toyota Land Cruiser and a blue Holden Commodore.

Nowra Local Court, which Brock Morris faced on Tuesday.

Court documents did not state what happened to every car the 20-year-old allegedly stole.

However, they state Morris allegedly damaged one of the Toyota HiLux vehicles before ditching it outside Nowra.

Brock Morris, who allegedly stole multiple cars in Berry.

The documents also allege he stole $1000 worth of parts from the Holden Commodore before destroying the car by setting it alight.

Following a South Coast Police District investigation into the litany of car thefts in Berry, Morris was arrested and charged on March 28.

While Morris was initially refused bail at the Nowra Police Station, he was later granted conditional liberty in the Nowra Local Court.

In the same court on Tuesday, Morris’ lawyer, Brett Ford, suggested a number of the charges could be withdrawn at the next occasion, having learnt his client suffered a number of “significant mental issues”.

Mr Ford also argued there was a lack of evidence in terms of some of the charges, telling the court they could be withdrawn, while others could be downgraded.

As such, Mr Ford asked for an adjournment in order to have further discussions with his client and the prosecution.

The request was granted by magistrate Geraldine Beattie, who allowed six weeks for the “important” discussions to take place.

Morris is due to return to Nowra Local Court on August 20.

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