Arson accused remanded in custody

A Porirua man who allegedly started 11 fires in Wellington over the weekend has been remanded in custody for a psychiatric report. File photo / NZ Herald

A Porirua man facing arson charges after allegedly starting 11 fires in Wellington over the weekend has been remanded in custody for a psychiatric report.

The 43-year-old, who has name suppression, appeared in Lower Hutt District Court this morning charged with 10 arsons and one attempted arson, Radio New Zealand reported.

They included setting fire to:

* Wainuiomata Gospel Hall;

* Wainuiomata Pioneer Church;

* Tony's Tyre Service, Porirua on Saturday;

* Porirua Gospel Church, Saturday;

* St Albans Church, Pauatahanui, Sunday;

* Seatoun Scout Hall, Sunday;

* Rubbish truck in Adelaide Street, Petone, Sunday;

* Horouta Ki Poneke Marae, Sunday;

* unoccupied house in Bluff Road, Kenepuru, Sunday;

* Porta Loo on Main Road, Tawa, Sunday.

He was also charged with the attempted arson of Karori Church Chapel, Sunday;

He was granted continued name suppression and would reappear this month.

- NZPA