Geraldton man charged over fire which destroyed ex-partner’s home

A 39-year-old Geraldton man has been charged with arson after a Karloo home was destroyed by fire late last month.

Daniel Shavarn McKenzie was arrested by detectives last week and remanded into custody after appearing in Geraldton Magistrate’s Court.

Police allege Mr McKenzie broke into the house between 2am and 3am on Friday, May 21, and set fire to the home.

Det-Sen. Sgt Bruce McDonald said Mr McKenzie had previously been in a relationship with a 40-year-old woman who lived at the home.

Firefighters were called to the scene about 2.48am after a nearby resident reported seeing flames at the Solomon Circle property.

It took almost two hours to get the blaze under control, but the house was extensively damaged and has since been declared a “write-off”.

Mr McKenzie has yet to enter pleas on charges of burglary, criminal damage by fire and twice breaching a violence restraining order.

He will next appear in court on June 10.

Det-Sen. Sgt McDonald said police were asking witnesses to come forward and contact Geraldton detectives.