Louise Lee Saunders charged with arson over Biloela house fire

The case against a woman charged with allegedly setting a house on fire with people inside has been held up. The reasons why were revealed in court recently.

The case against a woman charged with allegedly setting a house on fire with people inside has been held up by the need for a translator, among other things, a court has heard.

Louise Lee Saunders, 29, was charged with one count each of arson, assault occasioning bodily harm and enter dwelling with intent at night after a house fire in Biloela in April.

Emergency services responded to the house fire on Grevillea St, Biloela, at 1.50am on April 7, which had four occupants inside the home at the time.

Ms Saunders’ matters were mentioned in Rockhampton Magistrates Court on August 21.

Defence lawyer Pierre Lammersdorf said the matter was adjourned on the last occasion for police prosecution to get a timeframe on how long it would take to gather the outstanding material.

Police prosecutor Mirren Smith said the investigating officer advised the witness statements would take longer given the need for a translator to help put statements together.

“I still haven’t been given an ETA unfortunately,” she said.

Ms Smith said the officer also indicated that they only returned to work on August 21 and he’s “going to get the matter moving”.

Magistrate Grace Kahlert ordered that either the statements be provided or an actual date at the next mention of the case.

The charges for Ms Saunders were adjourned to September 18 and she was remanded in custody.

Originally published as Louise Lee Saunders charged with arson over Biloela house fire