Norwell fire: Daniel Shipton charged with arson and assault

A man is recovering in hospital after he was allegedly hit in the head with a machete and his house set on fire – with a 50-year-old now facing serious charges. Full details.

Police and firefighters at the scene in Norwell. Picture: Nine Gold Coast News.

A 50-year-old man has been charged with arson and assault after allegedly hitting another man with a machete and setting a house on fire.

Daniel Francis Shipton was charged by police after a property at Kerkin Road North in Norwell on the Gold Coast was engulfed in flames at about noon on Sunday.

Police allege that Mr Shipton, who lives in a caravan at the property, set fire to the house after getting into an argument with a man who lives there. He also allegedly hit the man in the head with the machete.

Two fire and rescue crews and four rural fire service vehicles attended the property, extinguishing the flames shortly before 1pm.

However significant damage was caused to the house and a pet cat was believed to have been lost to the flames.

Acting Superintendent Scott Knowles. Picture: Keith Woods.

Acting Superintendent Scott Knowles said police were still waiting to speak to the man injured in the incident, who was receiving treatment at Gold Coast University Hospital for burns and a laceration to his head.

“At about midday on Sunday police were called to an address in north Norwell in relation to a report that a dwelling had been set on fire at that location and also that a male person there had been struck with a machete in the head,” he said.

“Upon police arrival we did locate the male person attempting to leave the location. He was apprehended.

“The house was well engulfed in flames and the Queensland Fire Service managed to extinguish that. There was significant damage to the house but thankfully nobody was left in the house.

“The motive for this assault and arson is unknown. We’re waiting to be able to talk to the victim.”

Police and firefighters at the scene in Norwell. Picture: 7NEWS Gold Coast.

Acting Supt Knowles said witnesses had reported hearing an argument prior to the fire and alleged assault, but the nature of the argument was not yet known.

Officers charged Mr Shipton with arson and assault occasioning bodily harm while armed or in company.

Mr Shipton was not brought in from the watchhouse when his case was mentioned in Southport Magistrates Court early Monday afternoon.

Duty lawyer Jacklyn Lynch asked for an emergency examination order to be made, allowing Mr Shipton to be transported to hospital for further assessment.

When asked about her client’s address, Ms Lynch confirmed he had been living in a caravan on the property where the alleged arson took place.

The court was told Mr Shipton was still in hospital when his case was mentioned again on Tuesday, and that it was at that stage unclear when he may be released.

His matter was adjourned to Friday.

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