Man faces arson charges

A 24-year-old Darnum man accused of lighting a $2 million church fire and two school fires has faced court.
Sam Thomas Robinson of Shady Creek Rd, Darnum was charged with multiple offences after Baw Baw CIU executed a search warrant at a Darnum property in the early hours of Tuesday, October 31.
Mr Robinson faced Latrobe Valley Magistrates' Court later that morning. He was remanded to re-appear for a committal mention hearing in February.
Detectives said they located a number of items allegedly linked to suspicious fires at the Plymouth Brethren Christian Church in Sutton St, Warragul on September 14 as well as two fires at Marist-Sion College in Burke St, Warragul on October 13 and 20.
Mr Robinson is facing multiple charges, including three charges of criminal damage by fire relating to the Plymouth Brethren Christian Church, initially estimated to have caused $2 million in damage, a chapel fire at Marist-Sion College valued at $5000 and a wheelie bin fire at Marist-Sion valued at $500. He also was charged with damaging property, damaging a bus and damaging a cyclone fence at the church and intentionally damaging a glass window and damaging CCTV at the school.
Anyone with information that may assist police is urged to contact CrimeStoppers on 1800 333000 or crimestoppersvic.com.au or Baw Baw CIU on 5622 7111.