Trial Begins for Man Accused of Insurance Fire at Historic Hotel

The trial of David Robert Culican commenced at Queanbeyan District Court on Tuesday. Culican has pleaded not guilty to charges of dishonestly damaging property by fire or explosive for gain, and an alternative charge of damaging property to the value of more than $15,000, in relation to a fire at the Globe Hotel in Bombala on June 25, 2022.

Background

Culican, 42, took over the building's lease in 2019 and lived on-site with personal belongings at the time of the fire.

The Crown alleged Culican was struggling financially due to the COVID-19 pandemic and competition from another hospitality venue.

In November 2021, Culican increased the sum insured under his contents insurance policy from $180,000 to $480,000. The Crown alleged this created an incentive to destroy the contents.

The Evidence

CCTV footage reportedly showed Culican wearing a balaclava and carrying a blowtorch before getting into a nearby vehicle at approximately 4:13 am on the morning of the fire.

The court heard that Culican was seen moving large amounts of personal items around the pub on the night of the fire.

A Triple Zero call was made at 4:19 am by nearby campers who awoke to the fire.

The building, constructed in 1857, was demolished after the fire.

Statements from Counsel

Crown prosecutor Ms Mackenzie alleged that Culican could "walk away with a handy little insurance payout."

Defence barrister Richard Thomas told jurors to wait for expert evidence on the fire's cause, stating, "There were a range of possible accidental causes for the fire."

Thomas said Culican increased the sum insured because new building owners required an updated policy, and that Culican had invested significantly in the property. He also dismissed claims of financial struggle, stating that Culican was moving items in preparation for a potential lease change.

The trial before Judge David Scully is expected to last 10 days.