Accused arsonist Bradley Rochow granted bail over Norlane fire

An accused arsonist who lit his father’s bedroom on fire has been granted bail, after his mother-in-law told a court she just wants to see him get the help and support he needs.

A fire damaged window at the scene. Picture: Alison Wynd

An accused arsonist was allegedly so angry his father had “lagged” on him he smashed the man’s bedroom window and set a fire, a court has heard.

Bradley Rochow, 33, fronted the Geelong Magistrates’ Court on Thursday and was granted bail by magistrate Ann McGarvie.

Mr Rochow was charged with arson after he allegedly set a fire at his father’s Norlane house on January 14.

The court heard Mr Rochow was seen riding a bike on Kalinga St carrying a red plastic jerry can, while “speaking into his mobile phone in an upset tone”.

When he got to his father’s house, he put his bicycle on the ground under a bedroom window, which was smashed, before he poured liquid accelerant inside.

Some witnesses allegedly responded to the glass shattering and briefly interacted with Mr Rochow, before he lit the fire and fled on his bike.

Bradley Rochow. Picture: Facebook.

One of the witnesses used a garden hose to try to contain the fire, while another called triple-0.

The fire caused an estimated $14,774.32 in damage, the court heard.

Matilda Jones told the court the matter will resolve to a plea of guilty, following a summary jurisdiction application keeping the matter in the Magistrates Court.

Ms Jones acknowledged it was significant offending before the court and said the main driver behind the current bail application was the availability of supported bail through the Court Integrated Services Program (CISP).

The father-of-three was previously refused bail in January but Ms Jones said his circumstances were “significantly different” from when he was first remanded.

At that time he had been homeless, however the court heard his in-laws were supportive and had offered him an address, should he be granted bail.

Mr Rochow’s mother-in-law gave evidence at the bail hearing, telling the court she had a “zero tolerance” for drug use and would have no hesitation in contacting the police if Mr Rochow violated his bail conditions.

She said she had known Mr Rochow for a long time and said it had been “hard getting him help” due to his anxiety, depression and drug use.

“I would love to get him the help he’s longed for most of his life,” she told the court.

“I just want to try and get him the support and help (he needs).”

Magistrate McGarvie asked Mr Rochow’s mother-in-law if she had any concerns Mr Rochow might go “spare” if she notified police of any bail breaches.

“There’s a spectre that if you lag on him, and he’s on a drug-induced rage, that something might happen,” Ms McGarvie said.

Mr Rochow’s mother-in-law said she was not concerned about Mr Rochow and had never had an issue with him.

“I totally understand (the concern) … I can guarantee that won’t happen,” she said.

Mr Rochow will reappear in court on May 16.

Originally published as Accused arsonist Bradley Rochow granted bail over Norlane fire