Blaze suspect held

Bail denied after fire burns partner, threatens home

A MAN accused of starting a fire that burned his partner allegedly told police it was not the first time he had threatened to burn the house down.

Christobal Murillo Morales, 67, was denied bail in the Cairns Magistrates Court yesterday.

Magistrate Kerry Magee said the risk of reoffending he posed if released was too great.

His de facto partner, a 64year-old woman, was due to be flown down to a specialist burns unit in Brisbane yesterday with burns to 22 per cent of her body.

She was reportedly in a stable condition late yesterday.

The court heard she had been in the bathroom of their Edmonton home when the father-of-two, who is originally from Spain, tipped petrol inside and set it alight.

Police alleged a neighbour came to her aid after finding her outside with a garden hose.

Police prosecutor Sen-Constable Trevor Woodman said Mr Morales allegedly told investigating officers the relationship involved “ongoing violence”.

“He stated to police that when he usually becomes angry he threatens to burn down the house and in this instance he’s actually carried out that threat or attempted to carry out that threat,” SenConstable Woodman said.

Defence solicitor Ken Cuthbertson argued his client had a negligible criminal history and would have no contact with the alleged victim if given bail.

He described the couple’s relationship as “on-again, offagain”.

But Ms Magee described the allegations as “very serious” and also included anecdotal evidence he had threatened neighbours.

“The nature of the act that the defendant has allegedly engaged in causes very serious concern about his state of mind and the risk he poses of committing further offences,” she said.

The court was told fire crews had to be called to put out the blaze which had threatened to destroy the entire home.

Mr Morales, who is charged with acts intended to maim and endangering property by fire, was remanded in custody and the case was adjourned until April 24.

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