Alleged arson case goes to trial
A COFFS Harbour man accused of orchestrating a dodgy insurance claim after a local business was gutted by fire will front a Sydney court.
Terry James Brennan, 48, is accused of attempting to pocket a $500,000 insurance payout after Sign It Up Australia on the corner of Wingara and O'Keefe drives went up in smoke in 2010 - just three months after opening its doors.
Police allege Brennan also broke the arm of an employee of the business and with the assistance of another man used sledge hammers to damage equipment prior to the fire.
Brennan is charged with dishonestly obtain financial advantage by deception, dishonestly destroy property for gain, money laundering, accessory before the fact to dishonestly destroy property by fire for gain, recklessly inflict grievous bodily harm in company, and hindering an investigation.
The case was set down for trial on Monday, but has now been adjourned until Wednesday.
