David Cartledge fights for bail after alleged murder of housemate in Red Cliffs house fire

A man accused of murdering his housemate in a fiery Red Cliffs blaze has made a bid for bail ahead of his Supreme Court trial.

David Cartledge fronted the Supreme Court in Melbourne seeking bail as he awaits the beginning of his trial. Picture: Generic

A Mildura man charged with murder following a fatal house fire in the state’s north will remain behind bars on remand as he awaits the beginning of his trial, a court has heard.

David Cartledge fronted the Supreme Court in an attempt to secure bail as he awaits the beginning of his murder trial.

It is alleged Mr Cartledge lit the fire that killed his housemate David Butler at their Indi Ave property in Red Cliffs in February 2023.

Mr Cartledge’s lawyer Sally Buckley argued the crown’s case was a weak one without their star witness Sean Warby’s evidence and her client deserved to be on bail.

“This is not a strong prosecution case. Without Mr Warby’s evidence, the prosecution’s case for murder falls away and it is an extremely weak case for arson causing death,” Ms Buckley said.

The tragic house fire that took the life of David Butler occurred in the small town of Red Cliffs in the state’s north. Picture: Stuart Kavanagh

The prosecution told the court they opposed Mr Cartledge’s release on bail raising concerns about the proposed bail address — citing Mildura’s small size, the potential for interaction with Mr Warby, and the criminal backgrounds of others living at the suggested bail address.

“The prosecution believes this proposed address provides an increased risk of inadvertent contact with Mr Warby,” Prosecutor Jack Kelly said.

Mr Cartledge has been behind bars for 771 days.

Justice Lesley Ann Taylor decided against granting Mr Cartledge bail, saying he hadn’t demonstrated exceptional circumstances.

“The circumstances relied upon by the applicant with respect to this application for bail

do not, either singly or in combination, demonstrate exceptional circumstances justifying the grant of bail,” Justice Taylor said.

Mr Cartledge’s trial is slated to begin on August 25.