Arson, Cooktown
A 38-year-old local man has been charged with nine offences including arson and serious animal cruelty following an investigation into a house fire which claimed the life of a pet pig at Cooktown yesterday.
Police will allege at 8.30am a disturbance occurred between a 38-year-old man and a 33-year-old woman at an address on Amos Street.
It will be further alleged the man returned to the premises at 3pm where he forced entry to the dwelling and set fire to the address, which was subsequently destroyed.
No-one was home at the time of the fire, and no-one was physically injured, however, a pet pig did not survive.
A number of bystanders attempted to intervene, however, it will be alleged they were assaulted by the 38-year-old man.
The man is scheduled to appear in Cairns Magistrates Court today charged with one count each of arson, serious animal cruelty and wilful damage.
He was further charged with unrelated offences including two counts of assault occasioning bodily harm, and one count each of common assault, going armed so as to cause fear, wilful damage, and unlawful stalking.
If you have information for police, contact Policelink by providing information using the online suspicious activity form 24hrs per day at www.police.qld.gov.au/reporting.
Report crime information anonymously via Crime Stoppers. Call 1800 333 000 or report online at www.crimestoppersqld.com.au.
