A MAN accused of setting fire to a house at Argenton and then confronting responding police with a knife will apply for bail this week.
Geoffery Mark Sturgeon, 59, appeared in Toronto Local Court on Tuesday charged with damaging property by fire, using an offensive weapon to prevent lawful detention and three counts of damaging property.
Mr Sturgeon did not enter any pleas or apply for bail and the matter was adjourned until Thursday when he is expected to make an application for bail.
Police say they responded to a house fire on Park Avenue at Argenton About 6.30pm on November 5 and attempted to speak to Mr Sturgeon in the home.
Mr Sturgeon allegedly confronted police with a knife and retreated into the house, which was well alight.
A short time later, police helped Mr Sturgeon from the home and started first aid.
He was taken to John Hunter Hospital with burns to his face, shoulders and torso before being transferred to Royal North Shore Hospital for specialist treatment. He was later charged and refused bail by police.
The incident was initially treated as a critical incident by police, but is no longer classified as such.
