A Ballina man accused by police of starting a fire inside his Tamar Street unit has faced court, with prosecutors saying the blaze displaced three families and caused extensive damage.
Joel Paul Renshaw, 46, appeared tearful during his appearance before Judge Mulroney in the Bail Division on Saturday following a court-ordered mental health assessment.
Police were called to the Tamar Street property shortly after 9am on Thursday, following reports of a man throwing items and damaging a home.
As officers attempted to arrest him, Renshaw allegedly refused to leave and armed himself with a baseball bat and glass.
Police established a perimeter before Renshaw allegedly started a fire inside his unit.
Officers then forced their way into the property, deployed a Taser and arrested him.
Two nearby residents were evacuated without injury before Fire and Rescue NSW crews extinguished the blaze, which sent thick smoke across eastern Ballina.
Renshaw was assessed by NSW Ambulance paramedics before being taken to Ballina Police Station.
He has been charged with damaging property valued at $2000 or less, stalking or intimidating with intent to cause fear of physical harm, hindering or resisting police, and damaging property by fire or explosive valued at more than $15,000.
Three families displaced
Police prosecutor Sergeant Sams opposed Renshaw’s release, arguing there was a risk of further offending and a need to protect the community.
Sergeant Sams told the court one residence had been completely destroyed and two others significantly damaged, leaving three families displaced.
He said the initial damage estimate was conservative and the final repair bill was “likely to hit a million dollars”.
“We’ve got elderly neighbours that have been threatened,” Sergeant Sams told the court.
Mental health concerns raised
Defence lawyer Stephanie Mulholland said Renshaw had instructed her that he had been diagnosed with chronic anxiety, depression and schizophrenia and was receiving medication and community support.
She proposed strict conditions requiring him to live outside Ballina, continue treatment, abstain from drugs and alcohol and report to police.
“This is strict bail, Your Honour,” Ms Mulholland said.
“Of course, there is a concern with this bail, and there is risk, but in my submission, it’s not to the extent unacceptable.”
‘Violent and destructive’
Judge Mulroney described the alleged fire offence as “really serious” and said the prosecution case appeared strong.
“Mr Renshaw’s behaviour over some period of time was violent and destructive,” the judge said.
Judge Mulroney said the alleged conduct had endangered Renshaw and the police officers who entered the burning property.
While acknowledging Renshaw’s reported mental health conditions and the difficulties he could face in custody, the judge was not satisfied the proposed conditions could adequately protect the community.
“The sad reality is that it hasn’t worked,” Judge Mulroney said of the support Renshaw had reportedly been receiving.
“Lives have been put at risk, and nothing that’s suggested gives me any confidence that that won’t be repeated.
“I can’t think of any bail conditions which would address that risk.”
Renshaw’s demeanour later changed as he began swearing and speaking over the court before Corrective Services officers escorted him from the room.
Judge Mulroney refused bail.
Renshaw will remain in custody and is due to appear before Ballina Local Court by audiovisual link on September 10.
I am glad Mr renshaw will have time to think of his actions the night prior and the next morning. I am the Resident from unit 2/30 Tamar st.next door that is struggling now with acccomadation and all having lost everything that day. Robert Schwarz.