Harley Thompson negotiating plea in Bomaderry alleged arson murder

A man is negotiating a plea after police allege he smashed the window of a home four doors down from his own house, before lighting the fire which claimed the life of a 49-year-old father.

A south coast man is still negotiating a plea with the Director of Public Prosecutions, after he was charged with murder following a fatal house fire in August last year.

Harley Thompson, now aged 27, was charged with murder and three counts of destroy or damage property on August 2, 2020, after police allege he smashed the window of a home just four doors down from his own house on Leonard Street, Bomaderry, before pouring petrol inside and lighting the blaze.

Cameron Robert Johnson, 49, died in the inferno, while his 21-year-old son, who has special needs, escaped unscathed.

Harley Thompson (centre) has been charged with murder. Picture: David Swift

Forensic police examined the cause of the blaze and a strike force was established by local detectives, with assistance from the State Crime Command’s Homicide Squad and Arson Unit, to investigate the incident.

Mr Thompson was arrested at his home the day after the fire and has remained on remand in custody since his arrest.

The fire occurred at 41 Leonard Street in Bomaderry. Picture: David Swift

His matter was mentioned at Nowra Local Court on Tuesday, where Crown solicitor Kathryn Mansell told Magistrate Lisa Vinney the DPP had been in negotiations with Mr Thompson’s lawyers regarding a plea to the charges since June.

“This is a very serious matter with complex issues,” she said. “We are hoping to have these issues resolved shortly.”

Mr Thompson’s legal representative told the court a plea offer had been made to the DPP, which was being considered.

The matter will return to court in two weeks time, where Mr Thompson is expected to enter a plea.