Paige Hitch third person charged over Knockout Nutrition arson

A Western Sydney woman has been charged over her alleged involvement in one of a string of arson attacks on Knockout Nutrition stores.

CCTV vision from the St Marys incident shows a man outside the store after it was set alight. Picture: NSW Police

A Western Sydney woman has been charged over her alleged role in one of a string of arson attacks which left $300,000 worth of damage on a chain of Knockout Nutrition supplement stores in Sydney.

The three attacks, which police allege were “targeted and linked” and orchestrated by people with extensive knowledge of the business, occurred within just 18 months of each other, with the first occurring in July 2019.

Paige Hitch, 28, has been charged.

On Tuesday, Oxley Park woman Paige Hitch, 28, was arrested and later charged for her alleged involvement in one of the fires, just weeks after Cameron McDougal, aged 26 and Paul Hornby, 33, were also charged. They both remain before the courts.

During a search of Hitch’s home, police seized ice, documentation, mobile phones and other electronic devices, all of which will undergo forensic testing.

She was on Wednesday charged with 13 offences, including accessory before the fact of a fire causing damage, hindering a police investigation, possessing a prohibited weapon, stealing a motor vehicle, disposing of a motor vehicle and drug supply.

CCTV vision from the St Marys incident shows a man outside the store. Picture: NSW Police

Paul Hornby was last month arrested for his role in the alleged arson. Picture: NSW Police Force.

The arson attacks caused $300,000 worth of damage to the three stores. Picture: Bill Hearne

Police will allege in court that Hitch drove the red Mitsubishi that was used as a getaway car for the November 25 arson attack. She appeared at Mt Druitt Local Court on Wednesday, where she was refused bail.

CCTV captured the moment the first store on Queens Street, St Marys was set alight on July 25, 2019, with two men seen breaking through security shutters before setting the business on fire using accelerants and fleeing on foot.

Eleven days later, on November 14, the same St Mary’s business was again targeted, with a black Audi sedan captured ramming into the store before a man allegedly lit the fire.

CCTV vision from the St Marys incident. Picture: NSW Police

CCTV vision from the St Marys incident. Picture: NSW Police

The Queen Street, St Mary's shop was one of three which was damaged in the fires. Picture: Bill Hearne

A week later, a man broke through the door of a Market Lane, Rouse Hill store with a hammer before setting it alight, causing significant damage.

CCTV shows the man leaving the area in a black Nissan Qashqai, however a red Mitsubishi was also seen in the area at the time of the fire. Police allege Hitch was the driver of this vehicle. 

At the time, Detective chief inspector Richard Puffett said the damage from the fires caused significant loss for the owner.

“In total for all three incidents, more than $300,000 damage was sustained – which is a substantial financial loss for any business owner. Offences of this nature are extremely concerning to police and have the potential to cause serious injury to the community or death.”

Investigations under Strike Force Calinda are continuing.