Serial arson accused appears in court

A Palmerston North man charged with deliberately lighting six fires around Feilding. File photo / NZ Herald

A Palmerston North man charged with deliberately lighting numerous fires around Feilding has appeared in court.

Richard David Elliott, 26, did not enter a plea on six arson charges when he appeared at Palmerston North District Court this afternoon, The Manawatu Standard reported.

He is accused of torching a toilet block at Feilding Baptist Church, Studio 31 hair salon and the Wilkes Trading Company Building between January and June.

Defence lawyer Fergus Steedman did not ask for bail but requested a mental health assessment.

Elliott was remanded in custody until July 28.

- NZPA