Chilean man admits strip club arson

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A Chilean man, angry at being thrown out of a Wellington strip club, later returned to set fire to the premises and smash the windows.

Andre Javier Araya Navarro, 23, pleaded guilty this morning before Wellington District Court Judge Bruce Davidson to charges of arson and intentional damage.

Navarro had been at Dream Girls in Te Aro on August 27 when he got into an altercation with security and was removed from the premises, police said.

He walked home, changed his clothing and put a metal hammer into an inside pocket of his hoodie.

The defendant then walked to a nearby service station where he filled a container with petrol. Next, he collected his bicycle which he had left in Willis St.

About 6.30am Navarro returned to the strip club and poured petrol around the entrance and side of the building, then lit it.

Taking the hammer from his pocket, he struck the front windows multiple times, shattering the glass.

Security guards were alerted by the noise and held the defendant until police arrived.

Two glass doors had to be repaired and the premises were scorched. Reparation is being sought for $775.10.

Navarro, who had not previously been before the court, said he had been angry when he tried to torch and damage the club.

Both charges carry a maximum sentence of seven years in prison under the Crimes Act.

He was remanded in custody for sentencing on December 22.