Arson accused faces more charges

A Westport man accused of setting fire to a Christchurch shopping centre, causing more than $1 million of damage, now faces eight new charges.

Robert James Shingleton was further remanded when he reappeared before Judge Raoul Neave in Christchurch District Court yesterday. He was previously charged with arson for a fire at the Westfield Shopping Mall in Riccarton in the early hours of July 10.

Police say the fire caused $235,000 damage to the mall and $1.5 million damage to stock at the Farmers store.

Yesterday, Shingleton faced charges of intentionally damaging three wheelie bins belonging to Trans Pacific Industries, a Christchurch City Council rubbish bin, and a Canterbury Rugby Union goal pad in Hagley Park. These offences are alleged to have been committed later the same morning as the Westfield blaze.

He is also charged with intentionally damaging three Westport District Council rubbish bins four months later.

He entered no pleas and was remanded on bail until January 20.

- NZPA