Australian man accused of attack and arson in Coles Bay pleads not guilty
In Australia, 31-year-old Hayden James Morrison has pleaded not guilty in a case involving the alleged assault, robbery and arson of the home of a 76-year-old man in Coles Bay on Tasmania's east coast. On Monday, he joined a hearing at the Launceston Magistrates Court via video link from prison.
Charges in the case
As ABC News Australia reports, police believe Morrison is one of three men who may be involved in the July 11 incident. He has been charged with armed robbery and aggravated assault, unlawful taking of a vehicle and arson.
According to police, three men tied up the homeowner, Grant Whelan, stole his firearms and set fire to his residence in Coles Bay. Whelan spent six days in hospital after the incident. The stolen firearms have still not been found.
More current news is available on the UA.News Telegram channel Telegram.
Further proceedings
Morrison entered a not guilty plea through his lawyer, Fran McCracken. Deputy Chief Magistrate Ken Stanton remanded him in custody. The next hearing in the case is scheduled for November.
Another defendant, 33-year-old Jason Robert Burns, has also pleaded not guilty and is due to appear before the Supreme Court later this month. The third person in the case, 30-year-old Charlie Hills, was granted bail in July, and his lawyer said he plans to plead not guilty.
