Western Downs alleged arsonists front Dalby court following Wieambilla, Tara fires

Two men who have been jointly charged with arson after a series of devastating fires across Wieambilla and Tara earlier this year have had their matters mentioned in a Western Downs court. See the latest.

A pair of men who have jointly been charged with a string of arson offences have had their matters mentioned in a Western Downs court on Monday.

Dwayne Paul Lamb, 48, and Jayden Thomas Robert Lamb, 23, were charged with seven counts of arson each last week following an extensive investigation of the fires that devastated the Tara and Wieambilla region earlier this year.

More than 4600 hectares of land and 14 homes were destroyed between January, February and April this year after police reported 12 fires being lit which forced residents to evacuate their homes.

The Bishop property on Charles Dr, Tara following the devastating fire February 14 2023. Picture: contributed

Defence lawyer Claire Graham appeared in Dalby Magistrates Court on August 21 representing the youngest of the co-accused.

She said her client would not be applying for bail and asked for a brief of evidence to be ordered.

Ms Graham appeared as town agent on behalf of McConnell & Saldumbide lawyers who will be representing the eldest of the pair and did not apply for bail, and requested a brief of evidence be prepared.

Police prosecutor Chris Hutchins said due to the extensive investigations conducted prior to the matters being mentioned it would not take long for the briefs to be prepared.

Magistrate Kyna Morice ordered the pair be remanded in custody and for their matters to be next mentioned on September 26 in Dalby Magistrates Court with their appearances excused.

The court proceeding comes after a lengthy investigation that involved specialist arson detectives from the Crime and Intelligence Command releasing a computerised image of one of the suspected arsonists earlier this month along with the vehicle they alleged was involved.

Originally published as Western Downs alleged arsonists front Dalby court following Wieambilla, Tara fires