Anthony John Kruger: 51-year-old Geraldton man admits to setting fire to Housing Office on Marine Terrace

A Beachlands man has pleaded guilty to setting fire to the Department of Communities’ Geraldton Housing Office last month, which caused shock and panic in the community. Anthony John Kruger, 51, appeared in Geraldton Magistrates Court by video link from Greenough Regional Prison on Thursday when he pleaded guilty to wilfully setting fire to the historic Marine Terrace building and with intent to harm, unlawfully did an act likely to endanger life. On Thursday, August 3 just before 2pm, Geraldton police said Kruger entered the housing office in the West End with a jerry can and doused fuel on the front counter before setting it alight. No one was injured and staff inside the 138-year-old building and those in nearby businesses evacuated as flames engulfed the building, causing an estimated damage bill of about $400,000, according to Department of Fire and Emergency Services. WA Police’s new helicopter, which was coincidentally in Geraldton on community engagements, helped track down Kruger to Moonyoonooka where officers on the ground arrested him a couple of hours after the incident. While entering pleas, Kruger made attempts to explain the circumstances surrounding why he did it, but Magistrate Angus Hockton stated his lawyer would have the opportunity to explain the circumstances at his next court appearance. A defence lawyer requested psychological and pre-sentence reports be prepared before Kruger’s next appearance. The case was adjourned until Wednesday, October 25 for fast-tracked sentencing in Geraldton District Court. Bail was not considered and Kruger was remanded in custody.