John Joseph Tynan: Home detention on cards for man accused of lighting bushfire off North West Coastal Highway

A man who stole a car from a Kalbarri hotel, driving it towards Geraldton until it ran out of fuel, and is accused of wilfully lighting a fire off the highway, will be considered for home detention bail. John Joseph Tynan, 39, appeared in Geraldton Magistrates Court from custody for a bail application on Monday. He pleaded guilty to obstructing police, two counts of trespassing, damaging property, breaching a police order, and stealing a motor vehicle on Thursday, March 28, but is yet to plead to one count of wilfully lighting a fire likely to injure or damage. Police prosecutor Sgt Ross Gray told the court about 6.40pm on Saturday, February 10, Tynan was walking through bushland off North West Coastal Highway when he used a lighter to light scrub fires. However, he is only charged with one count of lighting a fire. The court was told 25sqm of bushland was burnt. When Tynan was found and searched by police, he had two lighters in his pocket, Sgt Gray said. Defence counsel Karen Ward said Tynan admitted to lighting the fire, but it was caused by carelessly throwing a cigarette butt. She said he did not intentionally light the fire and the defence would be disputing the claim. Tynan, who has been in custody since his arrest, stole a 1995 Mitsubishi Triton from Kalbarri Motor Hotel carpark on January 1. The court was told he drove 35km towards Geraldton until the vehicle ran out of fuel, then hitchhiked back to Geraldton with the keys. The court was also told he cut a hole and damaged a panel when he broke into a caravan and was found on the bed by police on January 29. Ms Ward said Tynan was willing to re-engage in counselling and stay away from alcohol and drug use, and he would comply with random testing if required. She said if he was granted bail, there was stable accommodation for him at a friend’s address. Magistrate Kelly Thompson wanted to assess whether the Wandina address was suitable for home detention. She said while she understood there were trial delays, other offences were a “cause for concern” and there were risks attached to granting bail. The matter was adjourned until April 29, when a report will be assessed. Tynan was remanded in custody.