They have finally got one of the arsonists.

[Suezy]

Man faces $600,000 arson charges
DAVID CLARKSON
Last updated 13:13 27/12/2012

A man shouted at the judge as he was refused bail after being charged with the burglary and $600,000 arson of three Christchurch properties.

Keri Martin Wakefield, 38, continued to yell after he was taken back to the Christchurch District Court police cells today.

Police say the series of arsons caused damage totalling more than $600,000.

They have charged Wakefield, unemployed, with burgling and then setting fire to the three properties near his Spreydon home.

They were a house in Lyttelton St, a property owned by the Spreydon Baptist Church and a medical centre in Barrington St.

Richard McGuire, appearing for the Public Defender Service, made application for Wakefield's release on bail to live with his mother, subject to a curfew.

After considering the police's written opposition to bail, Judge Jane Farish remanded Wakefield in custody to January 8.

He began shouting as police took him out of the court, and spoke about needing his medication.
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