David Cartledge trial begins over Red Cliffs house fire that led to housemate’s death

A Red Cliffs man allegedly set fire to his home with his housemate inside before bragging about it to his mates, a Supreme Court trial has heard.

Mr Cartledge’s Supreme Court trial, sitting in Mildura, began on Monday.

A Red Cliffs man accused of setting the fire at his home which killed his housemate allegedly told his drinking buddies he wanted to burn the house down, a court has heard.

David Cartledge, 38, appeared at the Supreme Court — sitting in Mildura — on Monday for the first day of his trial, facing murder and arson causing death charges.

The court heard about 11pm on February 26, 2023 a fire broke out at an Indi Ave address in Red Cliffs which allegedly killed David Butler, 52.

Crown prosecutors alleged Mr Cartledge told friends he was drinking with on the night of the fire that he was angry with everyone and wanted to burn the house down.

After the fire it’s alleged he told the same group he had been successful in setting the house alight and that someone was inside at the time.

While Crown prosecutor Gibson conceded the case against Mr Cartledge was “somewhat circumstantial” he said that through a combination of CCTV and witnesses and expert testimonies he would demonstrate that the fire was deliberately lit by the accused.

During his address to the jury Mr Gibson also alleged there had been tension between Mr Cartledge and Mr Butler over a $50 loan.

The jury was also shown CCTV footage that showed Mr Cartledge and his two drinking buddies on the night, both before and after the fire.

Indi Ave, Red Cliffs where the tragedy unfolded that saw a house gutted by fire and a 52-year-old man lose his life. Picture: Google Maps

The court heard a red jerry can was found in the vegetable garden at the back of the property, with prosecutors submitting that Mr Cartledge’s profile could “not be excluded” despite his DNA not appearing on any tests

In her response, Mr Cartledge’s lawyer Deanna Caruso told the jury that the main witness the defence was relying on was not a witness of truth.

“You can’t believe a word that man says,” Ms Caruso said.

She told the jury her client denied allegations that he was in a dispute with Mr Butler adn that he told people he wanted to set the house on fire.

The jury will go on a “viewing” of the scene and the surrounding properties on Tuesday.

The trial continues.