Men to face court in relation to Giralang arson
A 23-year-old man and a 41-year-old man, both from Greenacre, NSW will face the ACT Magistrates Court today (Friday, 17 May 2024) following their arrest and extradition in relation to an arson in Giralang in October last year.
Between 12am and 1.15am on Friday 13 October 2023, police believe a person – the primary offender – arrived at a property on Gidjili Place in a green Ford Mondeo with NSW registration EUB 48T.
This person is alleged to have walked down the driveway of the residence carrying a red jerry can before setting fire to the property and fleeing the scene on foot.
Two women who were asleep in the house at the time of the arson attack were unharmed.
Police allege that on the day before the incident, Thursday, 12 October 2023, the 23-year-old man assisted the primary offender in purchasing the green Ford Mondeo from a car yard in Belmore, NSW, and also by providing them with a mobile phone which was used during the arson.
It is further alleged the 41-year-old man accompanied the primary offender to the ACT in another vehicle and provided support to them before, during, and after the offence.
About 6:30am yesterday (Thursday, 16 May 2024), ACT Policing’s Major Crime Squad executed a search warrant at an address in Greenacre, NSW and recovered several evidentiary items, including mobile phones.
Both men were arrested at the scene and are due to face court today.
They have been charged with one count each of aid and abet arson with an intent to endanger life.
Investigations into the primary offender and other suspects are ongoing.
Anyone with information that could assist the investigation is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000, or on the Crime Stoppers ACT website. Please quote reference 7563568. Information can be provided anonymously.
Note for journalists: Broadcast quality video of the extradition can be downloaded from Hightail. (This link will expire in seven days.)
MEDIA ENQUIRIES
POLICE MEDIA — (02) 5126 9070, act-police-media@afp.gov.au