THREE men who lit close to 50 fires around Bendigo should be punished severely because of the scale of their crime spree, a crown prosecutor has argued.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Scott Hagley, 37, Justin Hagley, 38 and Andrew Valli, 32, appeared in County Court on Thursday, after they last month pleaded guilty to multiple charges of intentionally causing a bushfire and attempting to cause a bushfire.
The trio were due to be sentenced, but proceedings were delayed after the prosecution filed additional material to try and persuade Judge Peter Lauritsen to sentence the men to lengthier jail terms.
Related news:
The Hagley brothers and Valli have admitted to lighting a series of fires across central Victoria between early November 2019 and the end of March 2020.
The men lit the majority of the fires late on Friday nights when driving back to Bendigo from Shepparton along the Midland and Northern highways, and the Epsom-Barnadown Road.
The fires were lit using material available on the roadsides and started with a match or lighter.
In most cases the fires were quickly extinguished after the Country Fire Authority was called, but in a couple of instances sheds and large amounts of hay were destroyed.
Prosecutor David Hancock last month told the court the men should receive disproportionate sentences for each charge to reflect the seriousness of their crimes.
That would mean that there would be less cumulation between the charges, which could lead to a longer jail term.
The charges of intentionally causing a bushfire and attempting to cause a bushfire carry maximum penalties of 15 years and 10 years imprisonment respectively.
Read more court: Teen fronts Children's Court over alleged car theft in Bendigo
But Scott Hagley's defence counsel Nicholas Rolfe on Thursday told the court the prosecution did not provide evidence to show that his client would be a significant risk of reoffending after a proportionate sentence.
Mr Rolfe said there had been 142 people sentenced as serious arson offenders in the past five years, with none of those people receiving disproportionate sentences.
The defence counsel said if Scott Hagley had the appropriate support, his risk of reoffending would be reduced.
Justin Hagley's defence counsel Sharon Lacey made similar submissions, saying the court could not be satisfied that her client would pose a greater risk to the community on a proportionate sentence.
Judge Lauritsen indicated the three co-offenders were looking at some years in prison for their crimes.
The judge adjourned the sentencing to next week. All three men were remanded in custody until their next County Court date.
Our journalists work hard to provide local, up-to-date news to the community. This is how you can access our trusted content:
- Bookmark bendigoadvertiser.com.au
- Make sure you are signed up for our breaking and regular headlines newsletters
- Follow us on Twitter @BgoAddy
- Follow us on Instagram @bendigoadvertiser
- Join us on Facebook
- Follow us on Google News