Preston man Wayle Mana fronts Melbourne Magistrates’ Court over Bendigo tobacconist fire

The man allegedly behind an arson attack which caused more than $4m in damage to a Bendigo tobacconist did not appear in court due to a “serious injury” on his leg.

A man who allegedly burnt down a Bendigo tobacconist earlier this week has not been able to make it to court because he is in hospital with a serious injury.

Preston man Wayle Mana, 25, was due to face the Melbourne Magistrates' Court on Thursday after he allegedly lit a fire in the Hargreaves Mall tobacco shop on January 29, causing more than $4m in damage.

Suspicious fire breaks out in Hargreaves Mall, Bendigo.

Mr Mana was arrested on Wednesday and taken to hospital due to a “serious injury”, his lawyer said.

Mr Nikakis said Mr Mana’s leg injury “needs attendance”, and as the matter was just a “straight remand”, Mr Mana did not feel the need to appear in court.

Mr Mana has also been charged with arson, robbery, theft of a motor vehicle and other offences in relation to a Caulfield fire on November 10.

Magistrate Rohan Lawrence remanded Mr Mana in custody until he next faces the Melbourne Magistrates’ Court for a committal mention at a later date.