Barber ’arsonist’ Owner accused of torching store, fraud
A BARBER shop owner accused of burning down his own Gold Coast store has been granted bail.
Michael Jacob, 43, appeared in Southport Magistrates Court on Wednesday charged with arson and attempted fraud worth more than $100,000.
It is alleged Jacob and another person went to the Don Traditional Barbershop on
Ferry Road, Southport with a bottle believed to be accelerant about two hours before the fire on June 28 this year.
It is alleged the pair were caught on CCTV arriving in a white Toyota LandCruiser entering the premises before the blaze broke out.
Police records allegedly show Jacob’s phone connecting to a nearby wireless network.
Jacob allegedly told police he had been home all night.
Defence lawyer Campbell
MacCallum, of Moloney MacCallum Abdelshahied Lawyers, said there was a “glaring hole” in the prosecution case.
He said they were able to track the LandCruiser to a Discovery Drive, Helensvale residence but were unable to link it to Jacob’s home.
“I accept that there is a similar vehicle that was registered in my client’s name,” he said.
Mr MacCallum said the CCTV also did not identify Jacob.
He said Jacob had no criminal history and it was the first time he had experienced time in the watch-house.
Mr MacCallum said Jacob had strong ties to the community with three children, and his father and brother lived on the Gold Coast.
Magistrate Gary Finger granted Jacob bail on the conditions he reside in Helensvale, report to police three times a week, not leave the state and surrender his passport.
The matter was adjourned to September 8.