Crown prosecutor Richard Annandale told the jury in his opening address that blackmail was Robinson's idea of a quick fix to get a benefit from the position he found himself in.
After the fire Robinson made a claim to State Insurance, a business arm of IAG, which was declined as State reached the conclusion the fire was deliberately lit. But before the insurer made its final decision, Mr Annandale said Robinson filed a civil claim in the High Court in March 2011 alleging IAG failed to act responsibly, and alleged breach of contract and good faith. He sought more than $2 million and other damages.
In May 2012, Robinson and IAG agreed to halt the civil claim pending the finalisation of a criminal case before the district court. A court order prohibits the Northern Advocate from publishing the facts of the criminal proceeding.
Mr Annandale said Robinson filed a second civil action in April 2013. Justice Ailsa Duffy refused an application by the Crown for interim name suppression for its witnesses.
