Bruno Mete: Arsonist’s plea hearing delayed over lack of material

An arsonist who burned down his home and caused hundreds of thousands of dollars in damages will have to wait to learn his fate.

Bruno Mete allegedly told his neighbour he was going to "set the place on fire" before his unit was engulfed in flames. Picture: Facebook.

An arsonist who burnt down his home and caused hundreds of thousands of dollars in damages will have to wait to learn his fate.

Bruno Mete, 32, appeared in the County Court in Geelong on Monday for a plea hearing, having earlier pleaded guilty and been arraigned on one count of arson.

Mete burnt down his unit in October 2022, causing $286,000 in damages, the court heard.

However, the plea hearing did not go ahead as the defence were unable to provide adequate materials for judge Gregory Lyon to consider in deciding his sentence.

Mete’s lawyer, barrister Joe Connolly, told the court he was not able to provide written submissions, as the subpoena materials had only been made available to him over the weekend.

The material included 1100 pages of medical notes and records from Barwon Health, the court heard.

The court heard the matter was set for a plea hearing in June last year, but the judge who heard the matter was concerned no material had been gathered for the defence.

More than a year later, Judge Lyon shared similar concerns, and noted the material had been released in October 2023.

“The concern I have is that there is no communication with the court about any of this (delay),” Judge Lyon said.

The defence will submit that time served – Mete spent 41 days in custody – plus a community corrections order (CCO) would be adequate, however it is the Crown’s position that further time in custody is necessary.

Judge Lyon said “not much” of the Barwon Health records were of use to the court, due to its age as it was dated prior to 2019.

Judge Lyon said the court had been provided a victim impact statement from the landlord, who owned the unit, as well as a “more serious” statement from the neighbour, who was forced to relocate with his pregnant wife.

Judge Lyon said he needed more information in order to ensure Mete received the appropriate sentence.

“You would ordinarily say 41 days and a CCO was not enough time,” he said.

“I’m not looking for reasons to put him in, I’m looking for reasons to support the submissions made (by the defence).

“I simply cannot act on the fact that Mr Mete said to his boss that he’s schizophrenic at the time.”

While Mete told his employer he was schizophrenic at the time, Mr Connolly noted he had actually been diagnosed with bipolar disorder with psychotic symptoms.

Prosecutor Stephen Devlin said it was “disappointing” the matter was again delayed, but agreed Judge Lyon needed more materials.

“Your honour’s hands are tied effectively,” Mr Devlin said.

Mr Devlin noted having the case unresolved was having a detrimental impact on Mete’s mental health.

Judge Lyon adjourned the matter and ordered Mete undergo a psychiatric and psychological assessment.

Originally published as Bruno Mete: Arsonist’s plea hearing delayed over lack of material