A WARRNAMBOOL resident struggling to keep up with his cleaning has torched his home, causing more than $100,000 damage.
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Anthony Graeme Humphrey, 42, of Churchill Street, appeared in the Warrnambool Magistrates Court charged with arson and conduct endangering life.
He has been remanded in custody until October 20.
Solicitor Matthew Senia said the damage bill would exceed $100,000. It’s likely the cost of replacing the Department of Housing home will be between $150,000 and $200,000.
Mr Senia said the police brief of evidence was almost complete with reports on forensics and the cost of the damage yet to be finalised.
He said his client had made admissions and had a major depressive disorder.
Police became involved after an incident between Mr Humphrey and his former partner about 9pm last Friday. There were allegations he caused damage and assaulted her. He was arrested and released from custody just before 11pm.
It's alleged Mr Humphrey breached an intervention order and went home where he decided to burn his home. Police allege he left a burning envelope in a cane basket filled with junk.
He watched the fire take hold, closed the bedroom door and then left, walking to a friend's home where he stayed overnight. The next morning Mr Humphrey attended at the police station intending to say someone must have broken in and started the fire.
When police asked him to hand over his clothes so they could be tested, Mr Humphrey confessed, saying: "Oh, ok, I lit it. I have had enough. I could never keep up with the cleaning. I just wanted it to burn down."
