By CAMERON LUCADOU-WELLS
A MAN accused of setting seven fires at a village of residential units in Dandenong this month has been bailed to stay at a psychiatric hospital.
At a bail hearing at Dandenong Magistrates Court this afternoon, Matthew Kingston, 33, of Dandenong, faced nine counts of criminal damage by fire and two counts of conduct endangering life.
He is accused of having lit seven fires at the village at 60 Clow Street, Dandenong, as well as two bin fires at a medical clinic at 51 Clow Street and a house at 34 King Street between October 3 and 14. The fires were all lit between 9pm-2.30am.
The counts of conduct endangering life related to a fire that caused up to $30,000 damage to a communal laundry at the village, and another set in an outdoors couch that spread to a unit’s wooden awning.
The court was told Kingston had one night lit dry grass in a bin in the village’s communal storage area. On another occasion a fire was lit outside a unit’s bedroom and another was lit in grass placed next to a unit’s bin.
Defence lawyer Greg Martin told the court Kingston suffered a ‘‘major depressive disorder’’.
A bed was ‘‘available today’’ at St John of God Pinelodge Clinic — a psychiatric hospital that had previously treated Kingston.
Mr Martin said Kingston had no prior offences.
Asked by Magistrate Gerard Bryant if Kingston had family or community support, Mr Martin said Kingston preferred his family was not involved at this stage.
‘‘You’ve been charged with some very serious offences,’’ Mr Bryant told Kingston.
‘‘It’s clear that you’ve got mental health issues that have to be attended to sooner rather than later.’’
Kingston’s bail conditions include a 6pm-6am night curfew unless accompanied by Pinelodge staff and that he keep 200 metres away from 60 Clow Street unless with police officers.
Mr Bryant also imposed conditions that Kingston stop drinking alcohol, and remain at Pinelodge unless suitable accommodation was found and doctors said it was ‘‘safe to do so’’.
He is scheduled to reappear at Dandenong Magistrates Court on November 13.
Any information on the fire at 34 King Street to Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
