Accused Saanich arsonist turned himself in to police

That doesn’t equate to an admission of guilt, defence lawyer says

A 57-year-old Saanich man charged with arson in connection with two fires — a massive blaze that destroyed a Cedar Hill Road townhouse complex and another at Home Depot — appeared in Victoria provincial court Monday.

Steven Pickering, who has dark receding hair and wore glasses and a black T-shirt, appeared by video from the Vancouver Island Regional Correctional Centre. He is charged with intentionally and recklessly setting fire to Home Depot in the University Heights Shopping Centre on April 9 and to a townhouse complex at 3999 and 4009 Cedar Hill Rd. on May 22, knowing the properties were occupied.

Pickering is also charged with theft under $5,000 from Home Depot on April 23.

Pickering consented to remain in custody until his next court date on July 4.

Outside court, Pickering’s defence lawyer, Kirk Karaszkiewicz, said his client surrendered to Saanich police last Wednesday.

“I wouldn’t think there is any admission of guilt by turning himself in and, clearly, if you are aware that the police want to talk to you, you might very well come in and talk to them,” Karaszkiewicz said.

“That doesn’t mean you’re guilty. My client is entitled to a presumption of innocence at this time. “

The July 4 appearance could be moved up, Karaszkiewicz said.

“Mr. Pickering will spend the next few weeks in custody and if I get the information and if it’s the proper thing to do, we can schedule a bail hearing sooner than that,” he said.

“We are waiting for disclosure for the Crown. … As soon as we have that, and I hope to have a major portion later this week, I’ll have an opportunity to review it and meet with Mr. Pickering and review that with him. We can then make some decisions on how to proceed.”

The defence lawyer said he did not know whether his client suffers from any mental-health issues.

Arson charges are always serious, Karaszkiewicz said.

No one was hurt in either fire. The combined damage is estimated at $7 million to $10 million.

Acting Sgt. Jereme Leslie of Saanich police said investigators worked closely with the Saanich Fire Department and reviewed hours of surveillance video before making the arrest.

The charge of arson to an occupied property is more serious than a regular arson charge, Leslie said.

The Cedar Hill Road fire, which caused propane tanks to explode and sent flames 25 metres into the air, was close to many other residences, he said. “The geography of that area, other homes are very, very close.”

At least 14 people were displaced by the blaze and ended up in hotels or staying with friends or family.

Leslie said the Home Depot fire was set during a busy time at the store, about 11:30 a.m. on a Saturday.

The fire was set near the paint department. A number of children were in the store building butterfly houses at the time.