David Donn: Sanctuary Point man denies burning down Southern Cross Community Housing

An elderly man accused of burning down community housing on the NSW South Coast has denied the serious allegations in his first court appearance.

David Donn has denied torching the house while someone sat inside. Picture: Tom McGann

An elderly man accused of torching community housing on the NSW South Coast while someone sat inside has denied the allegations.

David Donn, 79, appeared in Nowra Local Court on Wednesday, where he pleaded not guilty to destroying property by fire (domestic violence-related), and possessing a prohibited weapon without a permit.

The Sanctuary Point man’s charges stem from an incident on June 9 about 4am, where a property owned by Southern Cross Community Housing at 15 Coachwood Ave, Worrigee, burnt to the ground.

Emergency services arrived to find a 27-year-old man was inside the house at the time.

The young man managed to escape without injury, but despite best efforts from responding firefighters, the house could not be saved.

David Donn leaving Nowra Local Court. Picture: Tom McGann

Following investigations by South Coast Police District officers, Donn was arrested weeks later on July 1.

He was granted conditional bail and charged with the alleged offending.

In court, Donn’s lawyer Terri Anderson entered the not guilty pleas on his client’s behalf.

Magistrate Lisa Viney adjourned the case by four weeks for further discussions to take place.

Donn will return to Nowra Local Court on August 9, where a hearing date will be set.

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