Claims woman caused fire
Accused to stand trial over Norlane blaze
A NORLANE woman accused of setting her newly built social housing unit alight has been committed for trial.
Natalie Elliopoulous, 49, faced Geelong Magistrates Court on Monday, when she announced her intention to plead not guilty.
The accused allegedly used a candle to set a dog bed, mattress and pillow alight inside the unit where was living.
About 6.30pm on November 6, 2020, a number of residents noticed smoke billowing from the property, documents tendered to the court stated.
Witnesses reported that after looking back at the property, Ms Elliopoulous was seen calmly exiting the scene and walking in the direction of a neighbouring street carrying a red bag.
One witness observed the accused walk past her former flat, allegedly saying, “They got what they deserved”.
A neighbour pursued the accused, taking a photo of her on his phone andhanding it to police.
Ms Elliopoulous was picked up by officers in Norlane the following day and taken to Geelong police station for an interview.
During her interview with Constable Brad Clark, documents revealed the accused made admissions to starting the fire and walking away from the scene.
It was reported that when the accused was asked her reason for committing the alleged offence, she told police, “They pushed me until I snapped”.
Documents stated the unit was just six months old and gutted by the blaze.
The home was initially estimated to be worth more than $150,000, according to police documents, but tenders dispute the total cost of the damage.
The court also heard Ms Elliopoulous had a history of mental health issues.
She was charged with one count of unlawfully causing damage by fire.
Magistrate Jelena Popovic said she was satisfied there was enough evidence to commit the accused to stand trial.
Ms Elliopoulous will appear before the Geelong County Court on October 12 for a directions hearing.