Kyle Hartcher from Bulahdelah in Taree court for allegedly burning church building, starting bushfires

An alleged arsonist is facing a list of serious charges including destroying a church convent building and lighting a bushfire in a public reserve on the Mid-North Coast. Here’s the latest.

Looking down towards the Myall River from Alum Mountain at Bulahdelah. Picture: Facebook.

An alleged arsonist is accused of setting fire to a church building, demountables and bushland on the state’s Mid-North Coast, a court has heard.

Kyle Hartcher is facing four charges in relation to the Bulahdelah fires allegedly lit on various dates in February last year.

Bulahdelah is a small town about 75 kilometres south of Taree on the Myall River, at the base of the picturesque Alum Mountain.

It is alleged Hartcher intentionally started a fire at the recreation area, Taree Local Court heard on Monday.

In relation to the alleged offending on the afternoon of February 13, Hartcher is charged with intentionally causing fire and being reckless to the spread of vegetation on public land.

Kyle Hartcher from Bulahdelah faces Taree Local Court.

He is also facing three counts of damaging property by fire on three separate occasions.

In the early hours of February 3 last year, it is alleged Hartcher set fire to the St Joseph’s convent building in Bulahdelah.

Then on February 8, again in the very early hours of the morning, it is alleged he damaged demountable buildings in Bulahdelah by fire.

The third charge of damaging property by fire relates to the same incident at the Alum Mountain recreation area.

According to court documents, Hartcher was employed at a local sawmill, but on limited hours due to a workplace injury.

The 24-year-old is on bail with a curfew and he must be supervised by his mother.

Hartcher is yet to enter pleas and the case has been adjourned to February 26.

Originally published as Kyle Hartcher from Bulahdelah in Taree court for allegedly burning church building, starting bushfires