Man held for torching lover's home - Court hears he wanted her to live with him

Court hears he wanted her to live with him

A man who is accused of setting his girlfriend's home on fire because he wanted her to live at his house will have to wait until his next court appearance in March before his fate is decided.

Charged with arson is Kevin Myers.

He did not enter a plea when the matter was called up in the Corporate Area Resident Magistrate's Court last Friday.

The fire report in the matter is outstanding, but Myers' attorney, Diane Jobson, told the court that her client offered to repay for the damage and that he was apparently pressured into taking the blame.

"He was almost severely beaten by residents, and the complainant's sister had to beg for his life," said the attorney.

The complainant, however, told the court that while she was at the accused man's home, he left and went to her house and set it ablaze while it was unattended. The complainant also told the court that she ended the relationship because of his act.

Senior Resident Magistrate Judith Pusey said, "So he burned down your house for you to stay with him?"

She responded, "Yes. Your Honour."

Pusey told Myers' attorney that she is denying bail because she believes the complainant is not safe with the accused around. Myers is to return to court on March 10.